LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

n  VVTQ 


-y 


SELE  CTIOISTS 


FROM 


THE   WRITINGS 


OP  THE  LATE 


THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 


WITH  A 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


ial  Work. 


N  E  W  Y  O  R  K : 
EDWARD    O.    JENKINS,    PRINTER, 

20   NORTH    WILLIAM    STREET. 
1869. 


CONTENTS 


BIOGRAPHY. 

BIOGRAPHY  .....  .3 

PKOSE   WRITINGS. 

ORATION,  Delivered  before  the  Semi -Annual  Meeting  of  the 
"  Union  Humane  Society,''  held  in  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio, 
May  18,  1818.  ......  91 

ADVANTAGES  OF  BANKING,     .  .  .  .  .  .114 

ADDRESS,  Delivered  before  the  St.  Clairsville  Chemical  Society, 
of  which  the  Author  was  at  the  time  President,  February  25, 
1821,  117 

ESSAYS  ON  THE  PRESERVATION  OF  MORALS,  .  .  .      128 

WASHINGTON.  Oration,  delivered  in  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  on 

Washington's  Birth-Day,  1823,  ....  138 

THE  LEXINGTON  MOB,  ...  .      159 

OBJECT  OF  THE  SLAVE  POWER, 

ANCIENT  DEMOCRACIES,        .  -      167 

THE  TREE  KNOWN  BY  ITS  FRUITS,          .  169 

AGRICULTURE  AND  MANUFACTURE,  •      172 

THOUGHTS  ON  AGRICULTURE,      .  179 

ABOLITION  BEFORE  AND  AFTER  FEBRUARY,  1 833, 

THE  ISSUES  OF  MR.  LINCOLN'S  ELECTION, 

THOUGHTS  ON  PROTECTION  OF  MANUFACTURES, 

SELF-KNOWLEDGE, 

'•  THE  OLD  BACHELOR," 

ON  BANKING,        .  , 

PROFESSION  AND  PRACTICE, 

PERMANENCE  IN  THE  TARIFF.     . 


2  CONTENTS. 

RAILROADS  FOR  DEFENSE,     .  .  .  .  .  .212 

RANDOM  THOUGHTS,         .            .            .            .            .            .  213 

USURY  LAWS,             .......  215 

JURIES  DECIDING  BY  MAJORITY — A  SUBSTITUTE,          .            .  218 

THE  DESIGN  OF  PROVIDENCE,            .....  221 

POEMS. 

THE  NAPOLEAD  ;  In  twelve  books,         ....  225 

THE  FATAL  DISUNION,  .  .  .  .  .  .521 

LAWRENCE,           .            .            .            .            .            .            .  538 

ROSSALINDA,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .540 

PASTORALS- 
PASTORAL  FIRST — SPRING,      .            .            .            .            .  541 

PASTORAL  SECOND — SUMMER,        .....  545 

PASTORAL  THIRD — AUTUMN,               .            .            .            .  549 

PASTORAL  FOURTH — WINTER,       .....  555 

THE  BEREAVEMENT,        .            .            .            .            .            .  558 

ROSALINDA,     .  .  .  .  .  .  .559 

OSSIAN'S  ADDRESS  TO  THE  SUN,               ....  560 

WISDOM'S  COMMENDATION  OF  HERSELF,       .  .  .  .561 

A  DREAM.            .......  562 

FROM  "  PROVERBS,"               .....             .  565 

CHRIST  WALKING  ON  THE  SEA,    .....  565 

PSALM  I.,        ........  566 

FROM  SOLOMON'S  SONGS,              .....  567 

JOB  in.  PARAPHRASED,           .            .                        .            .            .  568 

YOUTH,     ...                        ....  569 

THE  WRECK,              .......  570 

THE  SLAVE'S  SOLILOQUY,             .            .            .  579 

NAPOLEON'S  FALL  AND  MORAL  GRANDEUR,             .            .            .  573 

To  MY  OLD  HORSE  SHANDY,       ....  573 

TRANSLATION  OF  PETRARCH'S  ADDRESS  TO  VIRGIL,             .            .  575 

PEACE, 577 

THE  CONSENT.  .  577 
DISPUTE  BETWEEN  LABAN  AND  JACOB,  .  .  579 
To  THE  MUSES,  ....  533 
583 


CONTENTS.  3 

ON  VISITING  AARON  MERCHANT'S  SCHOOL,  JUNE,  1823,       .            .  587 

ROSSALINDA,         .......  587 

IMPATIENCE,   ........  588 

ELEGY  ON  A  CHILD,          ....                        .  588 

ODE  TO  DEATH,          .......  590 

THE  TRUE  OBJECTS  OF  AMBITION,          ....  591 

ON  BYRON'S  DEATH,  .......  593 

JEFFERSON  AND  ADAMS,               .            .            .            .            .  594 

INDULGENCE  INVOKED  FOR  THOSE  WHO  ESTIMATE  THINGS  DIFFER 
ENTLY  FROM  OTHERS,           .....  596 

THE  PRESENT,            .......  597 

THE  PAST,            .......  598 

THE  PURSUIT  OF  HAPPINESS  TENDS  TO  PERFECTION,          .            .  599 

THE  MASTER  PASSION  RULES  THE  JUDGMENT.    .            .            .  600 

SEEK  A  COMPETENCE,             .            .            .            .            .            .  601 

NIGTIT  PASTORAL,            ...                        .            .  603 

THE  BRAVE,  ........  607 

ON  THE  Pious  MOTHER  OF  AUGUSTUS  GRIFFIN,  JUNE,  1811,    .  608 

CREATION  AND  REDEMPTION,            .            .            .           ".            .  609 

UTOPIA,    ........  612 

To  THE  FLAG  OF  THE  UNION,                         *>  614 


BIOGRAPHY. 


THERE  have  been  two  and  a-half  centuries  of  American 
history.  The  remote  historian — going  over  the  annals  of  this 
period  with  that  judicial  temper  which  only  distance  in  time 
from  its  conflicts,  prejudices  and  passions,  makes  possible — 
will  recognize  therein  three  Epochs,  whereof  the  conspicuous 
events  are,  the  Plymouth  Settlement ;  the  Declaration  of  Inde 
pendence  ;  and  the  Emancipation  Proclamation. 

To  the  first  Epoch  belong  the  names  of  Robinson,  Carver, 
Standish  and  their  peers :  their  work  was  the  establishment 
of  the  Puritan  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts.  To  the  sec 
ond  belong  the  names  of  Adams,  Hancock,  Jefferson,  Wash 
ington  and  their  peers  :  their  work  was  the  making  of  a  new 
Nation,  nominally,  and,  in  many  particulars,  actually  founded 
on  the  principle  of  Liberty  and  Human  Equality  before  the 
Law.  To  the  third  belong  the  names  of  Lundy,  Garrison, 
Lincoln,  Grant  and  their  peers  :  their  work  was  to  make  Ac 
tual  the  Ideal  given  in  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  in 
volving,  through  the  War  of  Rebellion,  the  Abolition  of  Slav 
ery,  and  the  recognition  of  the  Civil  and  Political  Rights  of 
men  regardless  of  distinctions  of  race  or  color.  The  multitude 
of  events — the  conflicts,  heroic  deeds,  warring  of  parties,  and, 
in  the  average  result,  triumphs  of  right  over  wrong — which 
make  the  bulk  of  our  strange  history,  all  group  themselves 
under,  and  serve  to  exemplify  one  or  another  of  these  Three 
Epochs. 

The  Third  Epoch  began  with  the  agitation  of  the  Slavery 
Question,  bringing  the  great  war,  and  culminating  in  National 


4  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Reconstruction  on  the  basis  of  Liberty.  This  history  cannot 
be  written  during  the  present  generation.  The  pen  tliat  accu 
rately  describes  the  events  of  the  last  half  century,  must  be 
remote  from  its  passions,  its  anxieties,  its  party  affiliations 
and  its  triumphs.  At  this  date  we  can  do  little  more  than 
give  the  Coming  Historian  the  material  on  which  to  work. 
This  material  is  largely  in  the  lives  and  the  works  of  its  pio 
neer  thinkers  and  laborers.  To  furnish  such  material  is  in 
part  the  object  sought  in  this  volume.  We  say  in  part,  for 
chief  among  our  aims  is  the  presenting  a  Memorial  of  great 
Personal  Worth. 

In  giving  names  of  representatives  of  different  phases  of 
what  we  call  the  Third  Epoch  of  American  History,  we  men 
tion  Lundy,  Garrison,  Lincoln  and  Grant.  Of  these  the  two 
first  named  are  pioneers.  This  volume  will  give  the  Biog 
raphy  and  Literary  Remains  of  one  who  was  directly  a  co- 
laborer  with  Benjamin  Lundy,  and  indirectly  with  William 
Lloyd  Garrison  in  the  early  agitation  of  the  question  of  Slav 
ery  in  the  Southern  States ;  and  who  lived  to  see  that,  at  first, 
most  unpopular  enterprise,  triumph  on  the  field,  and  become 
vital  and  fixed  in  National  and  State  Legislation. 

In  the  sense  of  calling  attention  to  the  wrong  of  American 
Slavery,  it  would  be  difficult  to  determine  who  are  entitled  to 
the  praise  of  being  pioneers.  Franklin,  Washington,  Jefferson, 
and  other  friends  of  their  race,  did  this.  So  palpable  an  evil 
could  not  fail  to  stir  the  hearts  and  inspire  the  tongues  and 
the  pens  of  good  men  brought  into  contact  with  it.  An  Anti- 
Slavery  Society  was  organized  in  Philadelphia  in  1TY5,  with 
Benjamin  Franklin  for  President,  and  Benjamin  Rush  for 
Secretary.  John  Jay  and  Alexander  Hamilton  were  succes 
sively  presidents  of  a  similar  organization  in  New  York.  Or 
ganizations  seeking  the  same  end  sprung  up  in  several  of  the 
other  States — among  these  Delaware,  Maryland  and  Virginia. 
The  resistance  to  the  admission  of  Missouri  as  a  Slave  State 
in  1819,  was  due  to  the  work  of  these  Anti-slavery  organi 
zations. 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH.  5 

Opposition  to  Slavery,  however,  prior  to  the  opening  of  the 
present  century,  can  hardly  be  regarded  as  particularly  un 
popular.  It  certainly  raised  no  strong  antagonism.  It  was 
not  accompanied  with  mobs  and  social  ostracism.  Whitney's 
invention  of  the  Cotton-Gin  gave  a  new  importance  to  the  in 
stitution  ;  and  the  value  of  slaves  as  products  in  the  market 
greatly  increased.  Then,  as  never  before,  avarice  came  to  the 
defence  of  the  "peculiar  institution."  The  public  and  the 
private  conscience  was  debauched.  And  an  attitude  of  hos 
tility  to  the  "  sum  of  all  villanies,"  was  to  invite  persecution. 
The  State  gave  it  legal  support.  The  Church,  with  here  and 
there  a  noble  exception,  succumbed  to  it.  And  to  be  an 
avowed  Abolitionist  was  to  be  a  martyr. 

"We  characterize  as  the  real  pioneers  the  men  who  took  a 
position  in  opposition  to  Slavery  and  organized  against  it,  at 
the  time  when  it  cost  great  sacrifices*  to  do  this.  The  men 
who  in  defense  of  the  slave  were  'content  to  be  hissed,  hooted, 
stoned  and  practically  outlawed  ; — they  who  at  great  cost  of 
social  position  and  personal  outrage,  plead  for  those  in  bonds 
as  bound  with  them,  "  despising  the  shame,"  are  the  Pioneers 
of  the  Third  Epoch  of  American  History,  whereof  Reconstruc 
tion,  on  the  basis  of  liberty  for  all,  is  the  culmination  and 
crown.  Of  this  host  of  worthies,  Benjamin  Lundy  was  first 
in  the  order  of  time — though  the  antipathy  towards  him  was 
not  so  bitter  as  towards  his  successors,  particularly  Mr.  Garri 
son.  Among  his  first  and  most  constant  coadjutors,  was  Thomas 
Hedges  Genin. 

In  the  year  1780,  Gen.  Eochambeau,  in  command  of  a 
French  army,  came  to  this  country  to  operate  against  Eng 
land  by  co-operating  with  Gen.  "Washington  in  the  war  for 
American  Independence.  He  reached  Ehode  Island  in  the 
month  of  July.  In  the  Commissary  Department,  serving  as 
clerk,  was  a  young  man,  a  native  of  Labeurville,  in  the  Dio 
cese  of  Yerdun,  in  France — John  Nicholas  Genin.  He  was 
25  years  old.  Here  he  married  an  American  wife,  who,  how 
ever,  did  not  long  survive.  For  a  second  wife  he  married 
Sarah  Hedges,  of  East  Hampton,  Long  Island— a  grave  and 


6  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

thoughtful  woman.  She  was  six  feet  and  one  inch  in  height 
— three  inches  taller  than  her  husband  ;  and  was  well-propor 
tioned  and  straight  "  as  an  arrow."  The  husband  was  a  very 
impetuous,  yet  rigidly  honest  and  considerately  kind  man. 
Their  son,  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN — the  subject  of  this  sketch 
— was  born  March  23, 1796,  near  Aquebogue,  Suffolk  County, 
on  Long  Island.  In  his  third  year  his  mother  died.  In  May, 
1810,  his  father  died.  The  son  at  the  age  of  fourteen  did  not 
inherit  large  property.  The  sale  of  the  small  farm  left,  after 
paying  all  the  debts,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  ten  dollars. 
He  had,  however,  secured  what  was  better  —  a  fair  educa 
tion  for  the  day  and  the  community.  He  enumerates  among 
his  attainments,  "  a  good  knowledge  of  arithmetic  ;  so  much 
of  mathematics  as  relates  to  surveying  and  navigation  ;  some 
knowledge  from  general  reading,  and  a  little  grammar."  He 
also  specifies,  in  a  characteristic  strain,  "  a  few  vulgar  errors, 
and  abundance  of  room  in  the  world."  One  of  the  "  vulgar 
errors"  was  the  notion  of  "  the  indispensability  of  an  academy 
or  college  to  one's  erudition,  as  if  a  man  were  to  be  filled  like 
a  beer-barrel,  or  were  passive  instead  of  active  in  the  acquisi 
tion  of  knowledge." 

He  had  also  what  was  better  than  education  even  :  a  royal 
nature ;  a  conscience  sensitive  to  right,  and  resistless  in  keep 
ing  him  up  to  the  full  letter  of  what  he  deemed  his  duty  ;  a 
vigorous  intellect,  which  served  him,  and  through  him,  the 
community,  in  the  advocacy  of  truths  which  the  world,  slow 
to  receive,  most  needed  to  know  and  apply ;  an  industrious 
turn  of  mind  that  made  his  whole  life  a  career  of  useful  and 
cheerful  toil ;  and  a  simplicity  of  taste,  making  his  wants 
few,  and  securing  for  him  a  large  independence  of  fortune — 
giving  him  the  means  of  greater  usefulness. 

"While  perplexed  with  what  he  called  one  of  his  "  vulgar 
errors"  in  regard  to  academic  and  college  training,  he  received 
an  invitation  from  William  Woodhull,  Esq.,  of  Chester,  New 
Jersey,  to  reside  with  him.  This  gentleman  had  married  his 
grand-aunt.  Hearing  of  the  orphanage  of  his  grand-nephew, 
and  being  informed  that  in  a  recent  religious  excitement,  in 
which  the  bojs  held  prayer-meetings,  young  Genin  had  "dis- 


BIOGEAPIIICAL    SKETCH.  Y 

tinguished  himself,"  lie  was  kindly  moved  towards  him. 
Judge  Woodhull  graduated  from  Princeton  College  before 
the  Eevolution.  For  twelve  years  he  had  been  a  Presbyterian 
minister.  At  different  times  he  obliged  the  wealthy  and  re 
lieved  the  poor  by  giving  instruction. 

On  making  his  home  with  his  newly-found  uncle,  young 
Genin  lamented  his  lack  of  college  education.  His  patron  at 
once  became  interested  in  him ;  and  he  gave  him  what  infor 
mation  he  could  impart  in  regard  to  college  studies.  Genin 
became  student,  and  his  patron  instructor,  at  once.  On  the 
second  day  after  his  arrival,  he  "  recited  "  a  long  lesson.  The 
uncle  was  so  pleased  that  he  accompanied  the  nephew  through 
several  sciences  the  following  six  months. 

The  regrets  he  experienced  in  consequence  of  his  lack  of 
college  education  were  remembered  in  after  days,  with  no 
little  vexation,  satisfied,  as  he  became,  that  the  occasion  was 
but  a  "  vulgar  error."  Later  in  life,  while  writing  of  an  idol 
ized  son — whom  he  insisted  on  educating  himself — he  gives 
vent  to  his  feelings  and  his  conviction  in  a  paragraph  so  full 
of  force,  that  we  must  transcribe  it  in  this  connection : 

"  The  vulgar  error  that  one  cannot  learn  but  at  school  is 
the  cause  of  much  ignorance.  The  teacher,  like  a  finger  board 
at  the  fork  of  a  road,  is  useful,  but  not  indispensable.  The 
one  and  the  other  merely  point  the  course.  The  pupil  must 
do  the  labor  of  study  or  travel.  Poverty  is  not  an  f  uncon 
querable  bar,'  and  its  inconveniences  are  more  than  counter 
balanced  by  its  incentives  to  exertion.  The  rich  may  feel  the 
spur  of  ambition,  but  it  does  not  propel  with  the  force  of 
poverty.  The  efficient  student  who  feels  no  need  of  exertion 
for  a  livelihood  has  merit  as  superior  as  labor  from  choice  is  to 
labor  from  necessity,  or  acts  of  affection  to  those  of  interest. 
There  are  some  of  all  classes  who  will  not  try  to  learn ;  and 
as  they  cannot  be  filled  with  knowledge  as  a  barrel  is  filled 
with  a  pitcher  and  funnel,  they  remain  ignorant.  The  wealthy 
may  waste  money  on  such,  but  the  industrious  and  frugal 
middle  class  deserves  a  better  fate  than  to  be  taxed  to  help 
those  who  will  not  help  themselves.  A  general  respect  for 
intellectual  acquirements  induces  exertions  in  the  student. 


8  THOMAS    HEDGES   GENIN. 

This  is  the  basis  of  all  successful  mental  culture  of  a  people. 
They  must  not  exalt  the  ignorant,  and  neglect  the  intelligent, 
if  they  would  promote  education  or  the  public  interests.  The 
people  have  more  need  of  the  services  of  the  wise  than  the  wise 
of  the  notice  of  the  people.  Whether  education  be  public  or 
private,  success  depends  on  the  will  and  exertion  of  the 
pupil.  The  advantages  of  either  mode  are  nearly  equal.  If 
by  the  private  there  is  less  contamination  from  evil  example, 
there  is  less  knowledge  acquired  of  human  nature,  and  conse 
quently  less  capacity  for  successful  intercourse  with  the  world. 
Dr.  Johnson  remarks  of  Don  Quixote  that  he  was  frequently 
outwitted  and  imposed  upon  by  Sancho  Panza,  though  inferior 
in  mind,  because  Sancho  possessed  a  meanness  which  the  Don  did 
not  suspect  existed  in  human  nature.  A  knowledge  of  what 
is  possible  is  necessary  in  order  to  judge  of  what  is  prob 
able." 

Genin  was  destined  for  the  law,  but  before  making  discovery 
of  the  fact,  he  tried  various  kinds  of  industry.  In  tlie  spring 
of  1811  he  entered  a  dry-goods  store  in  New  Brunswick,  to 
ascertain  how  he  "liked  the  business."  It  did  not  come  up  to 
his  wishes.  He  grew  impatient  to  revisit  his  native  Long 
Island.  He  went  there  in  March.  He  taught  a  school  one 
month  at  Patchogue,  and  three  months  at  Orient.  His  next 
change  was  to  New  York,  where  he  went  with  letters  from 
Augustus  Griffin  to  Elisha  "W.  King.  Mr.  King  recommended 
him  to  Joseph  Strong  as  a  clerk  or  a  student-at-law. 

His  avocation  was  now  fixed.  He  was  to  be  a  lawyer.  He 
remained  with  Mr.  Strong  two  years.  He  completed  his  legal 
term  with  Charles  Baldwin,  whom  he  describes  as  "  a  ripe  old 
bachelor,  who,  to  influence  the  negotiations  at  Ghent,  in  1814- 
15,  introduced  a  bill  for  New  York  to  raise  10,000  men  for  the 
United  States."  In  what  capacity  Mr.  Baldwin  was  serving, 
that  he  could  "  introduce  a  bill,"  we  are  not  informed. 

While  in  the  law  office  of  Mr.  Baldwin,  Genin  made  the 
acquaintance  of  New  York's  greatest  Statesman,  De  Witt 
Clinton,  who  had  frequent  occasion  to  visit  there  in  the  cha 
racter  of  a  client.  On  one  of  these  visits,  the  eye  of  this  dis 
tinguished  man  fell  on  a  manuscript  translation  of  six  cantos  of 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  9 

the  poem  of  Quintus  Calaber,  on  tlie  war  of  Troy.  The  trans 
lation  was  made  by  Richard  Alsop,  and  had  been  left  with 
Genin  for  his  perusal.  In  a  humorous  vein,  Clinton,  suspect 
ing  the  law-student  might  be  the  translator,  asked  Baldwin 
"the  extent  of  poetical  perpetrations  in  this  office."  From 
this  circumstance,  quite  an  intimacy  was  started  between 
young  Genin  and  De  Witt  Clinton.  Some  of  Baldwin's  plead 
ings  had  been  prepared  by  his  student ;  and  these  Clinton 
examined,  and  expressed  himself  much  pleased  with  them. 

In  the  spring  of  1816,  Genin,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  became 
a  lawyer  in  due  form,  by  admission  to  the  bar  in  New  York. 
Among  his  papers  we  find  an  official  document,  with  the  bold 
signature  of  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  dated,  April  3,  1816, 
appointing  Thomas  II.  Genin  to  the  office  of  Public  Notary  for 
the  State  of  New  York.  In  the  August  following  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Ann  Hillard,  of  Randolph,  New  Jersey.  A 
year  after  opening  an  office  in  New  York,  he  moved  to  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  which  -ever  after  was  his  home. 

The  warm  recommendation  of  so  eminent  a  man  as  De 
Witt  Clinton  could  not  fail  to  secure  him  friends.  Among 
these  was  the  Hon.  Charles  Hammond.  This  gentleman  was, 
at  the  time  of  Mr.  Genin's  arrival  in  St.  Clairsville,  about 
moving  to  Cincinnati.  It  is  an  evidence  of  his  estimate  of  the 
moral  and  intellectual  worth  of  the  young  stranger,  that  on 
his  resigning  the  office  of  Master  Commissioner  in  Chancery, 
at  his  recommendation  the  Court  appointed  Mr.  Genin  to 
that  responsible  office.  The  mark  of  honesty  and  fidelity  must 
have  been  very  conspicuous  in  his  face,  for  during  the  twenty- 
six  years  he  was  Master  Commissioner  in  Chancery,  he  was 
never  required  to  give  bonds.  It  was  of  course  optional  with 
the  Court  to  make  this  demand.  As  large  sums  of.  money 
passed  through  the  hands  of  the  officer,  it  was  usual  to  require 
bonds.  We  hardly  need  say  that  Mr.  Genin  never  betrayed 
the  confidence  placed  in  him.  We  may  add  here,  that 
Mr.  Genin  never  forgot  his  friend  and  benefactor,  Mr.  Ham 
mond. 

Our  sketch  thus  far  embraces  salient  facts  in  Mr.  Genin's 
career  to  the  date  of  his  majority.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one 


10  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

he  is  a  lawyer,  and  has  an  office  in  the  city  of  New  York. 
This  brings  us  to  the  year  1817.  It  is  a  memorable  date  in 
American  history,  for  the  preliminaries  of  the  contest  in  Con 
gress  over  the  admission  of  Missouri  as  a  Slave  State,  are  in 
progress.  About  this  period  the  agitation  of  the  institution 
of  Slavery,  in  any  form,  had  become  most  unpalatable.  The 
Cotton-Gin  and  avarice  had  made  it  so.  To  take  a  position 
as  an  Abolitionist  was  to  have  the  doors  to  "  good  society " 
closed.  To  plead  for  the  slave  was  to  become  a  social  outcast. 
To  take  part  in  the  Anti-Slavery  movement  was  to  be  hated, 
and  to  be  the  object  of  all  manner  of  evil  saying.  A  man  of 
weak  conscience  or  weak  resolution  ;  a  man  who  could  tamper 
with  his  moral  convictions,  and  frame  excuses  for  evading  re 
sponsibilities  ;  a  man  who  prizes  the  world's  applause  more 
than  the  Higher  Approbation  —  would  not,  by  word,  look, 
or  act  show  the  Abolitionists  sympathy,  much  less  co-operate 
with  them.  The  file  of  the  Columbian  for  January,  1815, 
will  be  found  to  contain  an  article  calling  the  Pulpit's  atten 
tion  to  Slavery.  It  was  written  by  Thomas  H.  Genin,  two 
years  before  he  opened  his  law  office  in  New  York.  At  this 
date  William  Lloyd  Garrison,  at  the  age  of  eleven  years,  was 
a  "  chore  boy,"  living  with  his  mother  in  Baltimore. 

In  May,  1818,  Mr.  Genin — then  but  twenty-two  years  of 
age — delivered  an  Oration  before  the  "Union  Humane  So 
ciety,"  in  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio.  It  will  be  found  in  the 
proper  connexion  in  this  volume — a  very  earnest  and  argu 
mentative  protest  against  Slavery.  At  that  date  Garrison 
was  serving  as  an  apprentice  to  a  cabinet-maker,  in  Haver- 
hill,  Mass.  The  letters,  speeches  and  acts  of  Mr.  Genin  at 
this  opening  of  the  war  upon  the  petted  institution,  show  that 
he  was  deeply  sensitive  to  the  essential  wickedness  of  Slavery ; 
that  he  was  reckless  of  personal  considerations  in  his  antago 
nism  to  it ;  and  that  he  was  consecrated  to  the  work  of  eman 
cipation.  These  simple  facts  tell  the  story  of  his  heart,  will 
and  character ;  prove  him  to  have  been  a  man  of  unselfish 
fidelity  to  conviction,  and  one  of  the  small  band  of  real 
pioneers  in  the  greatest  and  grandest  enterprise  of  modern 
history. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  11 

In  order  rightly  to  estimate  Mr.  Genin's  relations  to  the 
Anti-Slavery  movement,  we  must  pass  in  review  the  history 
of  the  work  as  begun  by  Benjamin  Lundy,  and  taken  up  and 
carried  forward  by  the  philanthropist  whom  history  is  to  place 
on  the  highest  pedestal  of  national  fame — "William  Lloyd 
Garrison. 

Benjamin  Lundy  was  born  January  4,  1789,  in  Handwich, 
K  J,  His  parents  were  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  At  the 
age  of  nineteen  he  went  to  Wheeling,  Ya.,  where,  serving  the 
first  eighteen  months  as  apprentice  to  a  saddler,  he  lived 
four  years.  While  here  he  became  an  Abolitionist.  After  a 
residence  of  two  years  in  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio,  he  began 
business  as  a  saddler  in  St.  Glairsville,  Belmont  County ;  where, 
first  of  the  pioneers,  he  organized  an  Abolition  Society  under 
the  name  of  "  Union  Humane  Society."  This  devotion  to  the 
cause  of  the  slave  was  too  exclusive  to  admit  of  worldly  pros 
perity.  He  literally  impoverished  himself  that  he  might  be 
of  service  to  those  in  bonds.  His  previous  labors  in  his  busi 
ness  had  earned  him  a  few  thousand  dollars  ;  but  all  was  lost 
in  his  zeal  to  promote  liberty.  In  January,  1820,  he  started 
the  first  Anti-Slavery  publication,  The  Genius  of  Universal 
Emancipation.  It  had  a  varied  history.  From  Mount  Pleas 
ant  he  took  the  paper  to  Greenville,  Tenn.  From  here  he 
took  it  to  Baltimore,  where,  in  1829,  he  took  William  Lloyd 
Garrison  into  partnership.  Always  taking  his  paper  with 
him,  he  went  from  Baltimore  to  Washington  in  1838  ;  from 
there  to  Philadelphia  in  about  1834;  to  Illinois  in  1838; 
where  he  died  August  22,  1839.  Garrison  wrote  a  Sonnet, 
which  shows  his  estimate  of  his  early  co-laborer  : 

TO  BENJAMIN  LUNDY. 

Self-taught,  unaided,  poor,  reviled,  contemned — 
Beset  with  enemies,  by  friends  betrayed  ; 

As  madman  and  fanatic  oft  contemned, 
Yet  in  thy  noble  cause  still  undismayed ! 

Leonidas  could  not  thy  courage  boast ; 

Less  numerous  were  his  foes,  his  band  more  strong  ; 


12  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENUL 

Alone,  unto  a  more  than  Persian  host, 
Thou  hast  undauntedly  given  battle  long. 

Nor  shalt  thou  singly  wage  the  unequal  strife  ; 
Unto  thy  aid,  with  spear  and  shield,  I  rush, 

And  freely  do  I  offer  up  my  life, 

And  bid  my  heart's  blood  find  a  wound  to  gush  ! 

New  volunteers  are  trooping  to  the  field — 

To  die  we  are  prepared,  BUT  NOT  AN  INCH  TO  YIELD. 

William  Lloyd  Garrison  was  born  in  iNewburyport,  Mass., 
December  10,  1805 — consequently  he  was  nearly  seventeen 
years  younger  than  Lundy.     After  a  childhood  and  youth  of 
extreme  poverty   and  hardship — trying  to  learn  the  art  of 
shoe-making  in  Lynn  ;  sawing  wood  from  door  to  door  in  his 
native  town ;  doing  errands  in  Baltimore ;  working  as  a  cabinet 
apprentice  in  Haverhill ;  he  at  last  found  something  conge 
nial  in  the  printer's  art.    In  1828,  as  editor  of  a  paper  in  Bur 
lington,  Yt.,  when  but  twenty-three  years  old,  he  made  a 
strong  Anti-Slavery  demonstration  in  advocating  the  election 
of  John  Quincy  Adams  as  President.     In  an  Oration,  July  4, 
1829,  he  made  a  bold  assault  on  Slavery  in  Boston.     Having 
formed  an  acquaintance  with  Lundy — on  occasion  of  the  visit 
of  the  latter  in  1828  to  Boston — he  entered  into  partnership 
with  him  in  Baltimore  in  conducting  The  Genius  of  Univer 
sal  Emancipation.     For  an  alleged  libel  on  a  slave-dealer,  he 
was  thrown  into  prison,  from  which  he  was  released  by  Ar 
thur  Tappan,  who  paid  the  fine  and  costs.     After  a  period  of 
traveling  and  lecturing,  everywhere  producing  a  profound  im-  . 
pression,  he  started  the  Liberator  January  1,  1831 ;  and  con 
tinued  the  same  till  the  formal  Abolition  of  Slavery  by  the 
Constitutional  Amendment. 

Mr.  Lundy  was  not  an  advocate  of  immediate  emancipation. 
He  looked  for  the  result  through  a  gradual  process.  Mr.  Garri 
son  is  the  pioneer  of  the  cause  of  immediate,  abrupt  and  uni 
versal  emancipation.  He  held  and  advocated  this  as  a  moral 
conviction— one  which  admitted  of  neither  truce  nor  compro 
mise.  This  gave  him  peculiar  power  ;  and  entitles  him  to  the 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH.  13 

peculiar  honor  of  being  the  leader  of  the  American  abolition 
movement. 

Some  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  question,  whether  or 
not  Mr.  Garrison  was  the  pioneer  of  the  Abolition  enterprise, 
called  from  Mr.  Genin  a  communication,  which  appeared  in 
the  New  York  Independent  for  January  2,  1868.  As  show 
ing  the  relation  of  Genin  to  Lundy,  and  his  interest  in  the 
early  Anti-Slavery  cause,  we  give  here  the  article  slightly 
condensed.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  Garrison  had  first  avowed 
the  doctrine  of  immediate  and  universal  emancipation,  the 
editor  of  the  Independent  had  said  : 

"  William  Lloyd  Garrison  is  the  pioneer  and  founder  of  the 
grand  moral  movement  which  generated  the  public  sentiment 
in  obedience  to  which  Slavery  in  the  United  States  was  abol 
ished." 

Fearing  that  this  might  be  construed  so  as  to  detract  from 
the  pioneer  claims  of  his  friend  Lundy,  Mr.  Genin  replied  : 

"Mr.  Garrison  is  entitled  to  very  great  credit  in  this  mat 
ter.  I  would  not  detract  from  him,  but  would  allow  the  just 
claims  of  others.  Garrison  could  have  been  scarce  eleven 
years  old  when  Benjamin  Lundy  assembled  by  his  importu 
nity  some  persons  who  had  virtue  in  abundance,  but  rusty  for 
want  of  use,  at  the  tavern  of  William  Sharpless,  in  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Ohio — among  them  Charles  Hammond,  subsequently  of 
the  Cincinnati  Gazette  —  to  form  an  Abolition  Association, 
under  the  name  of  '  The  Union  Humane  Society.'  The  record 
of  their  proceedings,  in  Lundy 's  hand-writing,  is  before  me.  It 
is  without  date  ;  but  the  Thirty-fourth  Article  of  the  Consti 
tution  they  adopted  provides  that  *  all  persons  who  subscribe 
this  Constitution  on  or  before  the  20th  day  of  April,  1816, 
shall  meet  at  Mount  Pleasant  on  that  day,  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  the  Society.'  Under  this  Constitution,  by  Lundy's 
exertions,  eight  local  associations  were  formed,  which  sent 
delegates  semi-annually  to  Mount  Pleasant  for  several  years  ; 
and  the  Central  Society  was  represented  by  delegates  to  the 


14  THOMAS    HEDGES 

Abolition  Conventions  held  in  Philadelphia.     I  was  delegate 
in  1819. 

"  The  inhabitants  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  indulged  in  some 
pleasantries  at  Lundy's  efforts,  in  1818,  1819  and  1820,  to  sell 
his  little  house  in  that  town,  for  the  purpose  as  he  said,  of 
getting  the  means  to  publish  an  Abolition  paper.  In  the  lat 
ter  part  of  1820  he  arranged  to  have  such  a  paper  printed  at 
Mount  Pleasant,  called  The  Genius  of  Universal  Emancipa 
tion.  The  following  letter  of  Mrs.  Susan  M.  Wierman,  of 
Magnolia,  Putnam  County,  111.,  eldest  daughter  of  Mr.  Lundy, 
gives  its  history : 

" «  MAGNOLIA,  February  14,  1867. 

" '  ME.  THOMAS  H.  GEOT,  ESQ.  :— My  sister,  E.  S.  Griffith, 
handed  to  me  a  letter  from  you,  with  a  request  that  I  would 
answer  it,  as,  being  the  oldest  of  the  family,  I  would  have  a 
better  knowledge  of  the  subjects  embraced  in  your  questions. 

" c  1.  The  Genius  of  Universal  Emancipation  was  com 
menced  at  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio,  on  the  21st  of  January, 
1821,  and  was  published  there  eight  months. 

" £  2.  I  cannot  give  the  date  of  the  last  number  published 
at  Greenville,  Tenn. ;  but  it  was  sometime  in  the  summer 
of  1824. 

" '  3.  The  first  number  published  in  Baltimore  appeared  on 
the  24th  of  October,  1824 ;  the  last  I  cannot  give  the  date  of, 
but  it  was  about  the  first  of  the  year  1830.  The  name  of  the 
paper  still  remained  the  same,  though  the  form  was  different ; 
and  the  greater  part  of  the  time  it  was  published  in  Baltimore 
it  was  a  weekly  paper. 

"  '  4.  In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1828  my  father  visited 
a  large  portion  of  the  Middle  and  Eastern  States,  lecturing 
and  taking  subscriptions  for  his  paper.  On  this  tour  he  be 
came  acquainted  with  William  Lloyd  Garrison,  whose  atten 
tion  was  thus  drawn  to  the  subject ;  and  in  the  fall  of  the 
same  year  father  again  saw  him,  and  proposed  to  him  to  join 
him  in  Baltimore;  but  he  was  then  publishing  a  paper  in  Yer- 
mont,  and  could  not  leave  it.  But  sometime  in  the  summer 
of  1829  he  came  on,  and  entered  into  partnership  with  my 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  15 

father,  which  lasted  only  about  six  months,  when  Garrison 
was  thrown  into  prison  for  an  alleged  libel  on  a  Yankee  cap 
tain  who  was  engaged  in  the  slave-trade  between  Baltimore 
and  New  Orleans.  After  his  release  he  went  to  Boston,  and 
commenced  The  Liberator.  Father  continued  the  Genius  a 
few  months  longer  in  Baltimore,  and  then  removed  to  Wash 
ington  City,  about  the  first  of  the  year  1830,  where  the  paper 
resumed  its  old  form  and  again  became  a  monthly.  Sometime 
in  1834  it  was  removed  to  Philadelphia,  and  put  in  charge  of 
Evan  Lewis ;  and  father  commenced  his  extensive  journeys 
through  our  Southern  States,  Texas,  and  Mexico.  After  his 
return,  he  resumed  the  charge  of  the  Genius,  and  also  esta 
blished  a  weekly  paper,  called  the  National  Enquirer,  devoted 
mainly  to  the  exposure  of  the  schemes  of  the  slaveholders  with 
respect  to  the  annexation  of  Texas.  This  paper  was  purchased 
by  the  Pennslyvania  Anti-slavery  Society,  and  on  father's 
retirement  to  Illinois  the  name  was  changed  to  that  of  Penn 
sylvania  Freeman,  and  John  G.  Whittier  appointed  editor. 
My  father  resumed  the  publication  of  the  Genius  soon  after 
his  arrival  here,  in  1838 ;  but,  owing  to  difficulty  in  getting 
help,  paper,  etc.,  he  could  not  issue  it  very  regularly.  He  had 
not  published  more  than  five  or  six  numbers  when  his  labors 
were  closed  by  death,  on  the  22d  of  August,  1839.  The  paper 
was  continued,  under  the  name  of  Genius  of  Liberty,  by  B. 
Eastman,  our  present  consul  to  Bristol,  England.  It  passed 
through  many  changes,  and  is  now  represented  by  the  Chicago 
Tribune,  which  may  justly  claim  a  lineal  descent  from  the 
first  anti-slavery  paper  in  the  United  States. 

"  '  5.  We  have  no  files  of  the  paper — only  a  few  stray  copies. 
Nearly  all  the  papers  we  have  of  any  value  were  given  to  the 
Chicago  Historical  Society,  at  their  request.  My  father's  most 
valuable  papers  were  nearly  all  destroyed  at  the  time  the 
Pennsylvania  Hall  was  burned  by  a  mob,  in  1838. 
"  c  Truly  yours, 

"'  SUSAN  M.  WIERMAN.' 

"  Mr.  Lundy  sold  his  house  in  St.  Clairsville,  closed  his  sad 
dlery  shop,  issued  the  Genius  of  Universal  Emancipation, 


16  THOMAS    HEDGES   GENEtf. 

devoted  himself,  soul,  body,  and  business,  to  the  cause  of  abo 
lition  from  the  year  1815  until  his  death,  in  1839.  He  pub 
lished  the  first  abolition  paper,  commencing  in  January,  1821, 
and  continued  it  with  little  interruption  for  nineteen  years. 
He  lectured  and  traveled  much,  and  urged  others  to  aid  the 
cause.  Not  the  least  of  his  trophies  is  his  bringing  Mr.  Gar 
rison  into  the  field.  This  recruit  has  done  him  distinguished 
honor,  though  he  did  not  appear  in  arms  until  Lundy  had 
been  thirteen  years  engaged — eight  years  as  editor  and  five 
as  an  efficient  agitator  in  other  respects. 

"THOMAS  H.  GENIN." 

Both  Garrison  and  Lundy  could  in  truth  have  said,  that 
they  knew  nothing  save  the  slave  and  him  down-trodden.  Their 
attainments,  their  talents,  their  industry,  all  tended  to  this 
great  end — the  emancipation  of  those  in  bonds.  For  the  term  • 
of  more  than  a  generation,  Garrison  would  suffer  no  interest 
to  divert  him  from  this  one  end.  He  would  have  no  business 
cares,  no  social  relations,  no  enmities,  no  friendships,  that 
directly  or  indirectly  came  between  him  and  the  poor  bond 
man.  He  has  lived,  felt  and  toiled  with  an  eye  single  to  this 
glory.  He  lives  to  witness  a  triumph  such  as  seldom  comes 
to  the  philanthropist  in  his  earthly  days. 

Mr.  Genin  was,  by  the  necessity  of  his  nature,  compelled  to 
think  of  many  things.  To  him  slavery  was  the  chief  of  evils, 
and  his  antagonism  to  it  enlisted  his  greatest  enthusiasm.  But 
he  was  a  man  of  business,  of  varied  pursuits  ;  and  all  public 
matters  arrested  his  attention.  He  was  always  writing — his 
pen  never  lay  idle.  The  press — many  of  the  weekly  journals 
near  his  Ohio  home — gave  him  a  vehicle  through  which  he 
sought  to  influence  the  public  mind.  His  mental  industry 
was  prodigious.  He  studied  everything.  New  discoveries, 
inventions,  movements,  set  him  to  the  task  of  probing.  He 
had  opinions  on  almost  every  subject.  He  was  never  hasty 
in  his  judgments.  He  took  time  to  search;  yet  he  always 
searched. 

A  collection  of  all  his  writings  would  make  a  running  his 
tory  of  the  nation  for  the  last  half  century.  The  Tariff  as  a 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  17 

principle,  and  all  the  particular  tariffs  as  measures  ;  Internal 
Improvements  generally  and  specially;  Banking,  and  parti 
cular  Banking  schemes ;  Education,  and  the  Common  School 
System;  Agriculture;  Cheap  Postage,  and  how  to  make  it 
"  pay,"  and  in  what  ways,  apart  from  money,  it  "  pays ; "  the 
Railroad  Enterprises,  particularly  as  they  affect  Ohio ;  Mobs  ; 
the  Political  Parties  ;  the  Democratic  Party,  in  which  he  saw 
very  little  to  commend ;  John  Quincy  Adams,  Andrew  Jackson, 
and  all  the  Presidents ;  Annexation,  Secession,  and  Disunion  ; 
the  Sciences  ;  Poetry  and  Poets ;  Mesmerism  and  Spiritualism ; 
Criticism  and  Critics; — in  short,  what  people,  as  a  whole, 
through  the  several  individuals,  think  of  and  write  about, 
Thomas  H.  Genin,  of  himself,  felt  his  duty  individually  to 
master,  and  discourse  upon.  But  chief  among  them,  Liberty 
and  Temperance  held  his  attention. 

Had  it  been  a  possibility  for  him  to  concentrate  the  energies 
which,  in  fact,  branched  out  in  all  directions ;  could  he  have 
given  himself  wholly  to  any  one  great  interest — such  were  his 
ability,  his  fidelity,  his  industry,  and  his  resolution,  he  would 
have  made  a  mark  upon  his  age  so  deep  as  to  have  fixed  the 
public  eye  upon  him. 

The  collection  of  papers  and  poems  which  makes  the  bulk 
of  this  volume  will  be  proof  that  we  have  not  over-estimated 
the  variety  of  his  gifts,  the  diversities  of  his  operations,  and 
the  persistence  of  his  toil.  But  the  papers  which  most  exhibit 
his  powers  are  those  which  deal  with  the  conspicuous  enemies 
of  freedom.  Dealing  with  slavery  in  the  abstract,  he  shows 
sense,  foresight,  and  that  prophetic  faculty  which  is  ever  the 
sijm  of  the  earnest  reformer.  His  oration,  delivered  before 

O  ' 

the  "  Union  Humane  Society,"  in  1818,  when  but  twenty-two 
years  of  age,  is  the  utterance  of  a  prophet.  The  style  is  florid ; 
an  honest  critic  will  say  somewhat  "  stilted ; "  shows  the  in 
experienced  rather  than  the  matured  rhetorician.  It  is  the 
warm,  impassioned  utterance  of  youth.  But  it  comprehends 
the  slavery  question  ;  arid  is  in  its  essence  a  history  of  what 
came  to  pass  years  after  it  was  written. 

A  year  later,  the  "  American  Convention  for  promoting  tho 
abolition  of  Slavery  "  met  in  Philadelphia.     The  eight  "  Union 
2 


18  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Humane  Societies,"  of  Ohio,  determined  to  send  in  a  report. 
Mr.  Genin  was  selected  to  prepare  it — a  tribute  to  his  compe 
tency  from  older  and  more  experienced  men.  It  was  published 
in  the  minutes  of  the  Convention.  It  shows  that  a  year's  ex 
perience  had  toned  down  his  rhetoric.  It  is  practical,  forcible, 
and  deals  withfacts.  Its  brevity  is  such  that  it  may  fitly  be 
given  in  this  connection,  as  exhibiting  the  spirit  and  vigor 
and  good  sense  of  the  writer.  It  is  signed  by  Thomas  H. 
Genin,  President,  "in  behalf  of  the  Society."  Considering 
the  date  of  its  appearance,  1819, — years  before  Garrison's 
demonstration  in  New  England — it  has  a  historic  interest, 
though  it  appears  here  as  an  important  section  in  the  biography 
of  its  author : 

"  The  semi-annual  meeting  of  delegates  from  the  eight  local 
Union  Humane  Societies  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  being  desirous  of 
co-operating  with  the  Abolition  Societies,  in  the  pursuit  of  ob 
jects  so  dear  to  the  well-wishers  of  mankind,  is  pleased  with  the 
opportunity  of  being  represented  in  their  Convention,  at  a 
time  when  humanity  has  much  in  jeopardy,  when  the  national 
legislature  is  pausing  between  vice  and  virtue,  when  even 
republican  law-givers  are  undecisive  whether  slavery  should 
not  be  sanctioned  in  their  new  States,  although  governments 
less  friendly  to  liberty  are  endeavoring  to  prevent  the  com 
merce  of  blood.  The  philanthropist  will  excuse  the  errors  of 
ignorance,  the  impertinence  of  folly,  and  look  with  compassion 
upon  the  weakness  of  human  nature ;  he  smiles  at  the  stupid 
simplicity  of  those  who  assert  that  the  negroes  should  be  slaves, 
because  they  are  black  or  ignorant,  though  they  had  no  com 
mand  of  their  color  or  education ;  but  has  he  not  cause  to 
weep,  if  the  same  want  of  intelligence  and  common  sense  be 
discovered  in  the  national  councils  ?  We  have  the  pleasure  to 
announce  to  the  Convention,  that  the  feeling  against  slavery  is 
very  general  in  our  State ;  and  we  have  reason  to  believe,  that  the 
constituents  of  those  delegates  to  Congress,  who  countenanced 
the  extension  of  slavery,  do  not  merit  the  disgrace  of  that  con 
duct  ;  it  has  awakened  the  fears  of  the  people  against  the  call 
of  a  convention  to  amend  the  constitution  of  the  State ;  hear- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  19 

ing  principles  so  indicative  of  moral  turpitude  avowed  by  men 
whom  they  had  believed  to  be  friendly  to  liberty,  they  are 
fearful  of  trusting  themselves,  and  will  probably  choose  to 
bear  with  the  imperfections  of  the  present  constitution,  rather 
than  risk  it  with  men  whose  liability  to  err  is  certain,  and 
whose  honesty  is  doubtful.  "When  we  contrast  the  strength 
of  interest  with  the  weakness  of  virtue  with  regard  to  their 
government  of  human  conduct,  we  have  no  reason  to  be  sur 
prised  that  the  latter  has  not  been  more  successful,  but  con 
solation  may  be  reaped  from  the  fact,  that  in  combats  between 
truth  and  falsehood,  though  the  latter  be  supported  by  power, 
the  former  will  finally  triumph;  and  that  the  increase  of 
knowledge  and  piety  is  the  increase  of  liberty  and  justice. 
We  have  seen  the  condition  of  the  people  of  color  greatly  im 
proved  in  some  States,  where  avarice  tempted  less  to  injustice, 
by  the  appointment  of  a  future  period  when  slavery  should 
cease ;  and  since  many  influential  men  in  the  Southern  States, 
seem  to  dread  the  difficulties  in  which  slavery  is  involving 
their  country,  perhaps  these  States  may  at  no  distant  period 
appoint  a  time  after  which  those  negroes  that  come  into  the 
world,  shall  be  free  at  a  certain  age,  and  be  instructed  in  the 
duties  of  civil  life.  A  considerable  portion  of  our  white  popu 
lation  have  much  to  learn,  in  despite  of  prejudice  and  natural 
weakness  of  mind,  before  they  know  themselves,  or  are  capable 
of  acting  consistent  with  the  character  of  Christians,  or  patriots, 
or  can  be  instrumental  in  hastening  the  consummation  of  the 
Christian  plan,  when  all  mankind  shall  unite  in  the  love  of 
God  and  each  other. 

"  It  is  doubtful  whether  the  expense  of  colonizing  the  blacks 
at  any  place,  might  not  be  appropriated  more  advantageously 
for  humanity :  those  that  are  now  free,  are  in  as  good  a  coun 
try  as  any  to  which  they  could  be  transported ;  if  it  be  ex 
pected  that  the  slave-holders  will  manumit  their  slaves  that 
are  useful,  to  be  colonized,  the  expectation  must  be  founded 
upon  the  supposition  that  man  will  act  as  he  ought  to  and  not 
as  he  has  done ;  interest  will  not  cease  to  influence  human  con 
duct  ;  if  such  only  are  manumitted  as  are  unuseful  to  the 
master,  few  will  be  manumitted  that  are  useful  to  themselves ; 


20  THOMAS    HEDGES    GEIttN. 

no  certain  decrease  of  oppression  then  would  be  obtained  by 
colonization,  but  a  certain  loss  of  money  and  the  ruin  of  means 
that  might  be  more  usefully  employed. 

"  It  is  our  opinion  that  much  might  be  done  in  the  pulpit  for 
the  cause  in  which  we  are  engaged,  for  it  is  the  cause  of  reli 
gion  ;  we  therefore  suggest  to  the  Convention  whether  it  would 
not  be  proper  to  invite  the  clergy  without  regard  to  the  de 
nominations  to  which  they  belong,  to  a  participation  in  our 
endeavours.  The  local  societies  have  respectively  done  some 
thing  towards  liberating  those  improperly  held  in  bondage ; 
some  are  engaged  in  considerable  lawsuits  in  relation  thereto  : 
it  was  deemed  necessary  to  form  an  abridgement  of  the  laws 
in  relation  to  slaves,  that  each  member  might  be  furnished 
with  a  director  in  urgent  cases ;  this  work  has  been  partially 
executed." 

In  dealing  with  men  who,  for  selfish  and  party  purposes, 
were  the  champions  of  slavery — or,  what  was  less  honorable, 
the  champions  of  measures  which  involved  the  strengthening 
and  perpetuating  of  Slavery,  while  all  along  there  was  a  pre 
tence  of  conviction  and  purpose  hostile  to  the  system — Mr. 
Genin's  style  was  different.  He  was  a  very  Luther  in  the 
vehemence  of  his  indignation,  and  the  personalities  of  his 
rhetoric.  He  "  called  names ; "  and  his  effusions  show  no 
unwillingness  to  use  party  phrases  and  terms  of  reproach. 

During  the  Presidency  of  John  Quincy  Adams,  Mr.  Genin 
was  a  young  man.  The  slavery  question  was  not  up  in  very 
conspicuous  form.  The  strong  effort  that  was  in  progress  to 
elect  General  Jackson  was  not  based  on  the  claims  of  the 
"peculiar  institution.''  But  the  real  reformers  of  that  day 
saw  that  slavery  was  involved.  Mr.  Garrison  saw  this ;  and, 
though  hardly  out  of  boyhood,  was  doing  more  than  a  veteran's 
work  in  Yermont  advocating  the  election  of  Mr.  Adams.  The 
South  was  embodied  in  the  "  hero  of  New  Orleans,"  the  North 
in  the  "  sage  of  Quincy." 

A  committee  of  prominent  men  in  Ohio  was  appointed  to 
present  at  a  public  meeting  a  preamble  and  resolutions  in  sup 
port  of  the  claims  of  Mr.  Adams,  and  the  demerits  of  Andrew 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  21 

Jackson.  Mr.  Genin  was  fixed  upon  as  the  proper  person  to 
write  the  preamble.  It  glows  with  the  passion  of  the  time. 
It  is  a  transcript  of  the  feelings,  aims,  and  attitude  of  political 
parties  in  1827.  Persons  of  the  age  of  fifty  remember  the 
passionate  and  party  assertion,  that  the  election  of  Mr.  Adams 
was  part  of  a  bargain  which  took  away  his  competitor,  Mr. 
Clay,  by  putting  him  into  the  office  of  Secretary  of  State,  then 
regarded  as  "  in  the  line  of  succession."  The  preamble  alludes 
to  this.  It  advocates  the  re-election  of  Mr.  Adams  on  the 
ground  of  internal  improvement,  protection,  and  Northern 
interests  generally,  which  it  was  claimed  the  Jackson  party 
was  pledged  to  injure.  Speaking  for  the  Committee,  yet 
speaking  his  own  feelings  and  convictions,  Mr.  Genin 
wrote : 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  resolutions  for  the 
consideration  of  this  meeting,  beg  leave  to  report,  That  hav 
ing  considered  how  our  interests  will  be  affected  by  change  of 
men  in  the  National  Government,  we  are  led  to  the  conclu 
sion  that  our  interests  require  no  change,  but  demand  our 
utmost  exertions  to  sustain  the  present  administration;  its 
talents,  principles,  and  measures  are  such  as  the  lover  of  his 
country,  of  domestic  manufactures,  and  internal  improvement 
must  approve.  The  men  composing  that  administration  have 
been  weighed  by  long  experience,  and  not  found  wanting, 
either  with  respect  to  talents,  integrity,  or  due  regard  for  the 
laws  and  rights  of  individuals.  Mr.  Adams,  Mr.  Clay,  Mr. 
Rush,  Mr.  Barbour,  Mr.  Southard ;  men  who  have  deservedly 
enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  Republican  administrations  of 
Mr.  Jefferson,  Mr.  Madison,  and  Mr.  Monroe;  men  about 
whose  talents  and  principles  there  is  no  dispute ;  whose  char 
acters  need  no  "White-Washing  Committees ;  and  of  no  one 
of  whom  it  can  be  said  as  Mr.  Jefferson  has  said  of  General 
Jackson,  that  6  he  has  trampled  under  foot  the  constitution 
and  laws  of  his  country.'  In  supporting  an  administration 
composed  of  such  men,  we  show  that  we  know  when  we  are 
well  off;  that  we  really  hold  on  to  that  which  is  good — we 
approve  the  bridge  that  bears  us  safe  over ;  and  prefer  the 


22  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

bird  in  hand  to  that  in  the  bush.  All  the  ordinary  maxims 
of  prudence  justify  our  course. 

"  As  the  administration  suffers  Southern  opposition  for  pur 
suing  measures  favorable  to  our  views,  gratitude  as  well  as  in 
terest  requires  us  to  lend  it  our  humble  aid.  We  have  tasted 
some  of  the  sweets  of  its  policy,  and  wish  not  to  see  the  pro 
jects  for  internal  improvement  abandoned.  We  wish  not  to 
see  the  flocks  of  sheep  which  are  thickening  upon  our  hills 
disappear,  for  these  flocks  have  already,  in  many  instances, 
afforded  a  market  for  hay  and  grain,  at  our  doors.  We  could 
not,  with  justice  to  ourselves,  yield  these  advantages  to  ac 
commodate  any  individual  with  an  office,  whether  he  were  a 
chieftain  or  a  sage.  The  cultivator  of  a  quarter  section  of 
land  will  not  consent  to  get  from  $20  to  $40  per  year  less  for 
the  produce  of  his  land  in  order  to  advance  the  interests  of 
the  cotton  planters  and  General  Jackson ;  especially  when 
the  farmer  considers  that  the  Southern  politicians  give  him 
nothing  to  indemnify  him  for  this  loss,  but  praises  of  the  Gen 
eral  and  abuse  of  Mr.  Clay,  to  whom  the  West  owes  more  than 
to  any  other  man. 

"  The  attacks  made  on  the  administration  have  uniformly 
proved  its  purity ;  while  too  often  the  means  employed  in  those 
attacks  have  shown  that  the  leaders  of  the  opposition  do  not 
believe  the  people  possessed  of  sufficient  intelligence  for  self- 
government.  But  whether  it  may  be  inferred  from  hence 
that  they  believe  their  chieftain  would  do  well  to  ease  the 
people  of  self-government  is  very  questionable — though  the 
blame  bestowed  on  the  Paris  Mission  and  countenance  ex 
tended  by  the  Government  to  South  American  liberty,  ought 
not  to  have  been  addressed  to  Republicans  ears ;  and  proba 
bly  it  was  meant  to  rally  persons  inimical  to  liberty,  if  there 
be  any  such  at  this  day  under  the  Jacksonian  standard. 

"Since  the  testimony  referred  to  by  General  Jackson  to 
support  the  charge  of  bargain,  has  been  heard,  and  so  far 
from  supporting  has  completely  refuted  the  charge,  it  is  no 
longer  a  question  whether  a  bargain  was  made,  but  whether 
the  General  had  the  least  ground  to  say  one  was  proposed.  It 
seems  that  instead  of  persisting  in  the  charge  of  the  bargain, 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  23 

Ms  partizans  now  desire  to  withdraw  him  from  the  action  with 
out  loss  of  character  for  truth  and  veracity. 

"  In  examining  the  claims  of  this  candidate  for  the  Presi 
dency,  (over  a  people  whose  safety  lies  entirely  in  paper  con 
stitutions  and  public  virtue,)  we  have  been  at  a  loss  to  recon 
cile  his  pretentions  to  republican  support,  with  the  truisms, 
'  That  what  tends  to  impair  the  virtue  of  the  people  is  de 
structive  of  liberty  ;  That  without  a  conscientious  regard  for 
constitutions,  by  persons  in  authority,  those  constitutions  are 
useless ;  That  vices  and  infringements  of  constitutions  and  laws 
may  be  encouraged  by  rewards  as  well  as  restrained  by  pun 
ishments  ;  That  to  give  distinguished  reward  to  a  distinguish 
ed  law-breaker,  is  to  give  distinguished  encouragement  to  him 
and  others  to  trample  on  the  laws;  and,  That  to  put  the 
Constitution  into  the  keeping  of  one  who  has  broken  his 
oath  to  support  it,  is  the  same  as  to  put  the  lamb  into  the 
custody  of  the  wolf.' 

"  Many  of  the  present  Jacksonian  leaders  have  accurately 
described  their  chieftain,  (before  it  suited  their  interest  to  sup 
port  him  for  the  Presidency,)  as  a  man  without  capacity ;  and 
what  is  worse,  a  man  either  regardless  of  the  laws  and  consti 
tution  of  his  country,  or  too  weak  to  understand  them.  The 
outrageous  violence  done  to  Judge  Hall  and  others  about  New- 
Orleans  ;  the  butchery  of  the  militiamen ;  the  attempt  to  assas 
sinate  Senator  Benton ;  the  attempt  made  to  disgrace  himself 
in  the  National  Senate  by  committing  violence  on  the  person  of 
Senator  Eppes ;  his  butchery  of  Mr.  Dickinson ;  his  conduct 
in  the  Seminole  war ;  and  his  bloody  and  singular  construc 
tion  of  the  2d  section  of  the  Articles,  all  show  that  our  inter 
est  in  the  morals,  the  laws,  the  liberties,  the  dignity,  and  the 
honor  of  the  nation  would  be  ill  consulted  in  his  elevation  to 
the  Presidency. 

"  It  might  be  asked  why  a  man  with  so  many  stains  on  his 
character,  receives  the  support  of  men  of  too  much  intelli 
gence  to  be  dazzled  by  mere  animal  courage,  displayed  in  a 
battle,  a  quality  which  hundreds  who  fought  at  New  Orleans 
possess  in  an  equal,  perhaps  superior  degree  to  General  Jack 
son  ?  This  question  is  answered  by  the  Southern  newspapers. 


24  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

* 

They  say  it  is  their  interest  to  support  General  Jackson,  for 
want  of  a  better  Southern  man.  But  why  he  should  find 
supporters  here,  where  every  public  interest  is  opposed  to  his 
elevation,  is  not  easily  seen,  though  doubtless  there  are  sup 
porters  on  both  sides  of  questions  which  divide  a  people,  who 
are  called  office  hunters,  who  merely  take  a  side  for  private 
ends,  in  which  the  public  have  no  interest ;  as  whether  a  doc 
tor  gets  10  or  50  patients,  or  A  or  B  enjoys  the  emoluments 
of  an  office,  does  not,  so  far  as  patients  or  emoluments  are  in 
view,  concern  the  public.  But  whether  a  farmer  gets  a  high 
or  low  price  for  produce ;  whether  he  has  a  home  or  foreign 
market ;  or  no  market  at  all ;  whether  the  property  of  the 
country  is  increasing  in  value  or  not,  by  the  progress  or  dis 
continuance  of  internal  improvements,  does  materially  concern 
the  public.  The  doctor  or  office  hunter  might  not  be  much 
affected  by  public  distress ;  at  least  the  emoluments  of  the 
office  and  proceeds  of  the  patients  might  greatly  outweigh  all 
inconveniences  which  taxes  and  low  prices  of  produce  could 
impose,  especially  if  they  had  no  property  to  tax  nor  produce 
to  sell. 

"  If  the  people  think  for  themselves,  instead  of  listening  to 
such  as  have  interests  different  from  theirs,  they  will  not  fail 
to  do  right — to  be  the  people  of  the  country,  not  the  people 
of  Jackson  or  Adams.  They  will  make  some  distinction  be 
tween  the  hero  of  Orleans  and  the  hero  of  the  Southern  policy. 
In  the  race  between  the  Southern  and  Northern  interest  they 
will  not  stoop  to  pick  up  the  golden  apple  in  Jackson,  and 
entirely  lose  the  prize,  not  only  of  the  one  but  of  the  other 
interest;  for  we  are  fully  convinced  that  not  merely  the 
Northern  and  Western,  but  the  national  prosperity  will  be 
increased  by  the  principles  of  the  present  administration, 
though  our  Southern  brethren  will  probably  not  be  convinced 
of  this,  save  from  the  lessons  of  experience. 

"  At  present  there  is  but  a  very  small  majority  in  Congress 
in  favor  of  protecting  manufacturers  and  making  roads  and 
canals ;  and  should  a  President  be  elected  opposed  to  these 
measures,  there  would  be  a  total  blight  of  our  prospects  in 
these  important  matters,  for  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  25 

the  legislatures  could  not  be  had  in  their  favor.  That  Gen 
eral  Jackson  will  oppose  these  measures  there  is  no  reasonable 
doubt.  He  must  do  so  or  deceive  the  Southern  States  to 
whom  he  will  owe  his  success  if  elected.  These  States  may 
claim  much  for  their  trouble  in  persuading  their  Northern 
brethren  to  embrace  the  hero,  and  besides  may  reasonably  ask 
that  the  dupers  have  the  prize,  and  not  the  duped." 

From  the  election  of  General  Jackson  to  that  of  General 
Taylor — a  period  of  twenty  years — the  Pro-Slavery  spirit 
was  working  in  various  forms  in  various  measures  toward 
pro-slavery  empire.  First  it  took  the  shape  of  free  trade 
(though  having  no  natural  relations  to  it)  ;  then  of  State  sov 
ereignty  ;  and,  finally,  in  the  more  honest  garb  of  a  slave  oli 
garchy.  Mr.  Calhoun  was  at  once  the  fanatic  philosopher, 
statesman,  and  embodiment  of  the  movement.  By  speeches, 
legislative  votes  and  influence,  and  by  private  correspondence,  • 
he  urged  forward  the  scheme.  For  these  twenty  years  hardly 
a  demonstration  was  made  but  he  was  its  inception  and  guide. 
Failing  in  Nullification — because  the  tariff  question  could  not 
unite  the  South — he  succeeded  in  the  State  sovereignty 
scheme,  working  on  the  slavery  issue.  He  wrote  his  friends 
in  the  North  that  at  last  the  South  was  a  unit.  Let  there  be 
enough  of  Northern  men  with  Southern  principles  to  hold  the 
balance  of  power,  and  the  South  was  master — free  labor  sec 
tional,  and  slavery  national.  This  was  his  meaning,  of  course 
not  his  words. 

Clay,  Benton,  "Webster,  Everett,  and  the  whole  body,  of 
well-informed  Whigs  and  Abolitionists,  saw  all  this.  General 
Jackson  saw  it,  and  made  Calhoun  his  enemy  for  life,  by 
thwarting  him  in  the  nullification  game.  He  did  not  give 
Calhoun  credit  for  being  really  anxious  in  regard  to  the  agi 
tation  of  slavery,  or  for  much  heart  in  what  he  said  and  did 
indirectly  in  regard  to  it.  The  Nullifier  found  by  experi 
ence  that  the  tariff  question  could  not  unite  the  South.  An 
agitation  of  slavery,  he  thought,  could.  General  Jackson  had 
foreseen  this,  and  had  said  that  the  protective  tariff,  as  a  pre 
text  for  secession,  would  be  laid  aside,  and  that  slavery  agita- 


26  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

tion  would  be  substituted.  Mr.  Calhoun  had  himself  said 
that  this  policy  of  a  Southern  Union  must  be  shifted  to  the 
slave  question. 

Mr.  Genin  writes  in  regard  to  Calhoun  as  if  he  had  some 
how  got  access  to  his  most  private  thoughts ;  and  the  result 
showed  that  he  thoroughly  understood  the  great  Carolinian. 
When,  therefore,  Secession  breaking  out  in  1861,  a  Peace 
Congress  was  called,  he  wTote  as  searching  an  article  as  the 
times  furnished,  to  show  that  Calhoun  still  'lives  in  his  dis 
ciples;  that  to  get  time  was  the  only  object;  that  nothing 
less  than  secession  was  intended ;  and  that  the  talk  of  com 
promise  was  a  snare.  And  in  writing  on  this  matter,  he  went 
over  the  whole  previous  history,  from  nullification  to  secession. 
A  better  transcript  of  the  original  plan,  and  of  the  plot,  of  its 
able  leader,  has  not  been  written.  From  the  files  of  old 
newspapers  he  brought  forth  extracts  clear  and  conclusive, 
that  the  secession  conspiracy  did  not  date  with  the  election  of 
Mr.  Lincoln,  but  as  far  back  as  the  administration  of  John 
Quincy  Adams.  He  wrote  as  follows  to  the  Belmont  Chron 
icle,  February  V,  1861 : 

"  That  your  readers  may  judge  whether  a  compromise  with 
the  dis-Unionists  will  probably  be  made,  or  whether  they  pre 
tend  to  listen  to  offers  of  compromise  merely  to  gain  time  for 
the  seizure  of  forts  and  arsenals,  and  enable  their  co-conspira 
tors  in  other  States  to  accomplish  traitorous  designs,  the  fol 
lowing  extracts  from  letters  have  been  copied  from  the  Na 
tional  Intelligencer,  of  March  and  April,  1833,  about  two 
months  after  the  first  traitorous  movement  of  South  Carolina 
was  supposed  to  have  ceased.  The  friends  of  the  Union 
should  act  for  its  safety,  and  talk  about  compromises  after 
ward  with  those  who  do  not  keep  them  longer  than  suits  their 
interest.  They  have  enumerated  no  real  grievances,  or  any 
but  what  can  be  redressed  under  the  Constitution.  Of  course 
we  may  infer  that  their  real  object  is  concealed :  Can  this  be 
to  establish  a  monarchy  ? 

"  The  following  extract  is  from  a  letter  published  by  Judge 
Win.  Smith,  formerly  Senator  of  the  United  States  from  South 
Carolina,  in  the  National  Intelligencer  of  March  19,  1833  : 


BIOGEAPHICAL    SKETCH.  27 

"  '  The  Tariff  law  of  1816,'  he  says,  <  was  passed  by  a  ma 
jority  of  only  five.  Mr.  Calhoun  carried  to  its  aid  six  South 
Carolina  votes.  Had  Mr.  Calhoun  and  his  five  other  voters 
gone  against  the  bill,  it  would  have  been  negatived  by  a  ma 
jority  of  seven.  This  is  a  mere  sketch  of  the  part  Mr.  Cal 
houn,  Mr.  McDuffie,  Governor  Hamilton,  and  General  Hayne 
acted  in  perfecting  those  systems  which  they  now  with  one 
voice  publicly' proclaim  as  so  oppressive,  so  unjust,  and  so  un 
constitutional,  as  to  justify  a  dissolution  of  the  Union  at  the 
price  of  blood.  Those  gentlemen  have  shifted  as  if  by  magic, 
and  have,  with  a  daring  unexampled  in  the  history  of  faction, 
shifted  their  own  ill-judged  and  ruinous  policy  upon  the  peo 
ple  of  New  England.' 

"The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  letter  from  South 
Carolina,  in  the  National  Intelligencer  of  April  20, 1833 : 

"  *  I  am  a  member  of  the  State  Convention,  and  have  just 
returned  from  its  session.  In  that  body  I  heard  expressions 
and  opinions,  which  convinced  me  that  there  was  and  ever 
had  been,  lurking  at  the  bottom  of  nullification,  a  fixed  and 
settled  design  to  dissolve  the  Union,  and  set  up  a  Southern 
Confederacy.  The  project  has  been  abandoned  for  the  pres 
ent,  in  consequence  of  the  disapprobation  which  it  has  met 
with  from  the  Southern  States.  If  they  had  shown  any  dis 
position  to  aid  South  Carolina  in  her  unnatural  struggle  she 
never  would  have  accepted  of  Mr.  Clay's  modification  of  the 
Tariff.' 

"A  letter  in  the  same  paper,  of  April  27,  1833,  from  one  of 
the  most  respectable  citizens  of  South  Carolina,  confesses  that 
he  has  come  to  the  conclusion  that  there  is  a  party  there  whose 
object  is  to  l>ring  about  a  Southern  Confederacy,  and  ultimately 
a  separation  of  the  Union.  He  contends  that  the  l  nullifica 
tion  of  the  tariff  was  one  of  the  schemes  by  which  these  poli 
ticians  hoped  to  accomplish  their  object ;  that  in  this  they 
have  been  foiled,  as  they  could  not  get  a  single  State  to  join 
them.  They  have  now  changed  their  ground.  They  will 
new  seek  to  form  a  confederacy  by  showing  its  necessity  to 
secure  their  property  in  slaves.'  Hayne,  Harper,  Hamil 
ton,  McDuffie,  and  Turnbull  have  openly  declared  that  the 


28  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN". 

battle  with  the  General  Government  was  not  over,  that  it  is 
just  commenced.  They  correspond  extensively  with  others  in 
Southern  States  who  labor  to  disseminate  their  principles. 
Their  efforts  will  be  systematic  and  untiring. 

"In  the  same  paper,  of  May  11,  1833,  is  a  speech  of  two 
columns  by  General  William  H.  Harrison,  delivered  at  In 
dianapolis  the  previous  winter,  approving  of  General  Jack 
son's  course  against  South  Carolina.  He  says :  '  Let  us  try  to 
make  these  infatuated  men  sensible  of  their  error.  Let  us  say 
to  them,  Direct  your  rage  by  constitutional  means  against  our 
manufactories.  Desolate  the  flourishing  towns  to  which  they 
have  given  birth.  Destroy  if  you  will,  if  you  must,  the  hopes 
of  the  middle  and  western  husbandman  of  adequate  reward 
for  his  labor.  But  spare,  oh  !  spare,  the  sacred  institutions  of 
your  country.  Spare  that  Union  which  is  the  source  of  all 
its  prosperity  in  peace,  and  strength  in  war.  For  myself,  I 
am  willing  to  do  anything  that  is  reasonable  to  satisfy  our 
brethren  of  the  South ;  but  there  appear  to  be  difficulties  in 
the  way  almost  unsurmountable.  They  require  not  only  re 
lief  from  the  protective  system,  but  that  we  should  give  up 
the  principle !  That  we  should  reduce  the  imposts  so  that  the 
amount  collected  should  be  exactly  equal  to  the  ordinary  ex 
penses  of  the  Government.  That  being  done,  they  will  agree, 
provided  it  is  admitted  to  be  a  concession  on  their  part,  that 
the  duties  levied  on  the  unprotected  articles  shall  be  equal  to 
those  on  the  articles  for  which  we  claim  protection.  "Was 
ever  so  extraordinary,  and,  I  will  add,  so  insulting  a  proposi 
tion  made  in  a  spirit  of  compromise?  We  must  not  only 
forego  our  right  as  a  majority,  to  continue  a  measure  which 
has  been  adopted,  as  we  believe,  under  the  sanction  of  the 
Constitution,  but  we  must  give  up  the  principle.  In  other 
words,  we  must  surrender  to  the  minority  the  right  to  explain 
the  Constitution  for  us !' 

"Thus,  according  to  the  South  Carolina  Senator,  Judge 
Smith  (the  very  best  of  witnesses),  the  ordinance  of  nullifica 
tion  and  secession  of  November,  1832,  was  founded  on  a  pre 
tended  grievance  in  a  tariff  of  which  the  secessionists  them 
selves  were  the  authors.  The  grievance  of  abolitionism  was 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  29 

so  small  that  it  was  entirely  overlooked  when  hunting  pre 
texts  for  the  first  secession  from  the  Union.  The  tariif  ques 
tion  was  at  that  time  found  not  wide  enough  to  carry  the 
sugar  planters  (who  needed  a  tariff) ;  the  slavery  question  was 
therefore  resorted  to  as  embracing  a  greater  number  of  States 
of  the  same  interest,  and  not  because  the  secession  leaders 
thought  slave-property  seriously  endangered  by  abolitionism. 

"Slavery  was  not  .mentioned  in  the  secession  of  1832. 
Judge,  then,  if  the  North  can  compromise  with  the  South 
upon  any  other  terms  than  that  of  being  '  a  slave  to  slavery.' J: 

The  conduct  of  South  Carolina  on  occasion  of  the  official 
visit  of  Mr.  Hoar  as  agent  of  Massachusetts  to  raise  the  ques 
tion  whether  a  State  could,  without  accusation  or  trial,  imprison 
a  citizen  of  another  State — that  conduct  has  passed  into  his 
tory.  It  is  a  representative  fact  of  the  twenty  years  up  to  the 
Administration  of  Zachary  Taylor.  The  reorganization  of 
Southern  society  has  placed  a  very  different  class  of  men  in 
power  and  influence  in  that*  State.  But  the  old  Oligarchy  in 
general,  and  Calhoun  in  particular,  were  truthfully  represented 
in  the  treatment  of  Mr.  Hoar.  In  reference  to  it  Mr.  Genin 
WTote  a  vigorous  newspaper  article,  as  full  of  sarcasm  as  of 
argument,  and  replete  with  both  : 

"  Dr.  Watts  says  the  word  knave  formerly  meant  a  faithful 
servant.  The  word  chivalry  is  fa^st  undergoing  a  change  of 
meaning.  It  is  now  applied  to  those  that  show  all  the  timid 
ity  of  guilt ;  all  the  bullying  and  blustering  of  the  coward ; 
to  those  who  claim  it  as  a  privilege  to  oppress  the  down-trod 
den  poor ;  who  pluck  out  the  eyes  of  the  objects  of  their  op 
pression,  prohibiting  their  education  under  severe  penalties ; 
who  go  armed  through  fear  of  one  another,  who  tie  their  foe 
and  then  charge  upon  his  back.  In  illustration,  Mr.  Hoar  the 
agent  of  Massachusetts,  informs  the  Governor  of  South  Caro 
lina,  that  he  has  come  to  raise  a  law  question  before  the  Uni 
ted  States  Court  (a  Court  which  that  State  had  assisted  to 
erect,  and  which  has  five  Southern  and  four  Northern  judges). 
The  Governor  seems  to  have  heard  him  with  the  feelings  of  a 
culprit  who  sees  an  officer  with  a  warrant ;  for  he  runs  to  the 


30  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIK. 

Legislature  with  the  news.  This  chivalric  (using  the  word  in 
its  modern  sense)  body  is  suddenly  filled  with  apprehensions, 
and  forthwith  confesses  that  justice  is  what  it  is  most  afraid  of, 
by  resolving  that  the  Governor  shall  expel  the  Representative 
of  Massachusetts  from  the  State,  notwithstanding  his  rights 
under  the  Federal  Constitution ;  the  benefits  of  which,  and 
not  its  inconveniences,  South  Carolina  is  willing  to  embrace. 
Its  advantages  she  would  help  to  enforce  ;  its  inconveniences 
she  would  nullify.  But  while  she  thus  tramples  upon  the 
Constitution,  she  skulks  behind  it,  that  she  may  safely  insult 
Massachusetts ;  well  knowing  that  she  has  the  Federal  Gov 
ernment  in  her  hands,  through  the  subservience  of  Northern 
traitors.  Would  she  dare  to  insult  an  independent  State  in 
this  manner  ?  Or  would  she  dare  to  enforce  her  law  against 
colored  seamen  on  board  of  an  English  vessel  ?  And  what 
sort  of  a  State  or  people  is  that  which  fears  that  a  poor  black 
sailor  or  two  may  subvert  the  general  safety  ?  Are  they  of 
the  class  described  in  Scripture  as  those  that  flee  when  no 
man  pursueth,  while  the  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion  ?  I  do 
not  know  how  a  snake  or  toad  may  feel ;  but  knowing  some 
thing  of  human  nature,  I  would  scarce  accept  of  existence  on 
the  terms  of  feeling  that  my  safety  required  me  to  attack 
shadows ;  to  be  afraid  of  everything ;  to  employ  spies ;  to 
flee  when  no  man  pursued  ;  to  take  every  bush  for  an  officer, 
like  the  thief  in  Shakespeare.  No  !  I  would  pray  for  death 
to  come  and  take  the  poor  pusillanimous,  cowardly,  contempt 
ible  organization  apart,  that  it  might  assist  in  some  other  form 
of  being  less  disgusting  to  heaven,  less  shameful  to  men.  A 
historian,  speaking  of  the  tyrant  Domitian,  says,  '  His  jealous 
ies,  increasing  with  a  sense  of  his  guilt,  he  was  afraid  by  day 
and  by  night ;  and  in  proportion  to  his  fears  he  became  more 
cruel.'  The  histories  of  all  tyrannies  is  much  alike.  Fear, 
meanness,  cruelty,  injustice,  variously  exhibited — a  Miss  Delia 
Webster  may  set  a  chivalric  host  to  trembling.  .  There  are 
more  Polanders  than  those  oppressed  by  Russia." 

A  bill  for  the  Annexation  of  Texas  having,  February  25, 
1845,  passed  the  House  by  a  vote  of  120  to  98,  on  the  first 
day  of  March  was  passed  in  the  Senate  by  the  close  vote  of 


BIOGEAPHICAL    SKETCH.  31 

27  to  25,  and  was  signed  by  Mr.  Tyler  the  same  day— just 
three  days  before  his  term  of  office  closed.  A  change  of  one 
vote  could  have  stopped  the  measure,  averted  the  Mexican 
war,  and  deferred  for  years  the  war  of  Secession  !  It  was  the 
greatest  triumph  the  Slave  Power  had  yet  won.  It  really 
made  the  Slave  Oligarchs  masters  of  the  nation.  It  put  them 
into  a  position  of  such  secure  power,  that  nothing  but  their 
own  madness  could  have  dethroned  them. 

The  greatest  amount  of  labor  in  his  country's  cause  Mr. 
Genin  attempted,  was  the  contribution  he  made  to  the  effort 
to  prevent  this  monstrous  folly.  Men  honestly  opposed  to 
Slavery,  were  indeed  filled  with  alarm.  Few  prominent  men 
of  that  crisis  spoke  or  wrote  with  a  clearer  perception  of  the 
significance  of  the  scheme,  in  its  bearing  on  the  future  of  Slav 
ery  as  a  power  in  the  nation,  than  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 
The  prospect  of  a  large  ascendency  of  the  champions  of  the 
institution  in  the  United  States  Senate — the  sure  result  of 
Annexation — stirred  the  Anti-Slavery  spirit  of  the  Sage  of 
St.  Clairsville.  The  stupid  logic  that  annexation  would  not 
make  a  new  slave  was  potent  to  confuse  not  a  few  men  of 
Anti-Slavery  spirit ;  and  to  reconcile  them  to  the  measure. 
But  Calhoun's  chuckle,  in  reply  to  a  fling  from  Benton,  "  I, 
then,  am  the  author  of  annexation,"  was  unmistakable.  The 
great  Champion  of  Negro  Servitude  as  a  corner-stone  of  Ee- 
publican  Institutions,  did  not  glory  in  the  acquisition  of  Texas 
without  seeing  therein  a  triumph  of  the  South  over  the  free 
labor  of  the  North.  That  measure  carried,  the  Senate,  to 
all  human  appearance,  became  the  Gibraltar  of  the  Slave 
Oligarchy. 

In  the  political  campaign  which  resulted  in  the  election  of 
Mr.  Polk,  the  Anti-Slavery  men  were  divided  as  to  the  proper 
policy  to  pursue.  A  minority  distrusted  Mr.  Clay,  and  on 
what  they  deemed  principle,  gave  their  votes  for  the  Anti- 
Slavery  candidate,  Mr.  Birney.  Others,  knowing  that  in  case 
of  Mr.  Folk's  election,  annexation  was  certain,  reasoned  that, 
even  though  Mr.  Clay's  Anti- Annexation  views  were  not  very 
pronounced,  yet  his  election  was  the  triumph  of  the  party 
which,  as  a  whole,  opposed  Annexation.  They  threw  their 


32  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

votes  for  Mr.  Clay.  Among  these  were  Mr.  Genin.  He  en 
tered  upon  the  campaign  with  his  accustomed  weapon  of 
attack  and  defence — the  pen.  The  Bdmont  Chronicle  for 
1844,  contains  ten  elaborate  articles,  many  of  them  filling  col 
umns,  in  advocacy  of  Mr.  Clay's  election.  In  these  essays, 
Mr.  Genin  went  over  the  whole  ground  of  the  pending  con 
troversy. 

The  Anti-Slavery  spirit  and  antagonism  to  Annexation, 
dominate  in-  these  newspaper  articles.  But  the  whole  ques 
tion  involving  tariff,  protection  to  Northern  industry  and 
commerce,  is  presented  from  every  conceivable  point  of 
view.  The  North  representing  free  labor,  and  the  South 
representing  slave  labor  ;  the  one  embodied  in  Mr.  Clay,  the 
other  in  Mr.  Polk  ;  and  the  two  arrayed  against  the  other — 
this  is  the  burden  of  those  ten  essays. 

"  Mr.  Clay,"  he  says,  "  has  become  identified  with  North 
ern  and  Western  interests  ;  Polk  with  the  Southern,  the  cot 
ton-growing  and  slave  interests.  Clay  represents  the  agricul 
tural  and  manufacturing  interests,  or  the  interests  of  the 
farmers  and  mechanics ;  Polk  the  cotton-planting  and  slave 
interest,  or  the  interest  of  the  cotton-planters  and  the  slave 
holders.  Polk  favors  the  immediate  Annexation  of  Texas, 
that  the  market  for  slaves  may  be  improved,  and  the  number 
of  slave  States  increased,  to  outnumber  and  outvote  the  repre 
sentatives  of  the  other  interests ;  and  is  opposed  to  protect 
ing  our  own  mechanics  or  manufacturers,  in  order  to  repress 
population,  and  restrain  the  rapid  increase  of  voters  in  the 
North  and  West,  and  induce  foreign  nations  to  admit  cotton, 
rice  and  tobacco,  on  favorable  terms." 

The  Annexation  he  argued  would  bring  an  assumption  of 
Texas  debts.  "  If  Polk  is  elected,"  he  gave  warning,  "  the 
treaty  with  Texas  is  to  be  confirmed,  as  a  consequence  our 
public  lands  are  to  be  absorbed  by  a  few  aristocrats.  The 
people  are  to  be  taxed  to  pay  the  debts  of  Texas,  or  standing 
in  her  shoes,  take  the  glory  of  repudiating  her  debts,  if  they 
exceed  ten  millions.  To  do  this  would  give  us  a  comfortable 
stock  of  infamy :  our  nation  must  be  bankrupt  in  every  sense, 
in  honesty,  honor  and  purse,  or  pay  all  the  debts  of  Texas. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  33 

The  mention  of  ten  millions  in  the  treaty,  as  the  estimated 
amount  of  the  debts,  does  not  exempt  us,  who  assume  her 
responsibilities,  from  the  payment  of  all  her  debts,  for  she  be 
comes  merged  in  us.  The  government  of  whom  payment 
will  be  demanded,  after  annexation,  will  be  ours,  not  that  of 
Texas  ;  for  her  national  existence  will  be  gone." 

But  a  worse  result  would  be  war  with  Mexico  :  "  Another 
consequence  of  the  confirmation  of  the  treaty  is  a  war  with 
Mexico,  promised  in  advance  by  her  minister.  This,  how 
ever,  is  not  alarming  to  her  Oligarchy.  They  will  only  see 
in  war  a  chance  to  pour  the  resources  of  the  nation  into  Texas 
to  raise  the  price  of  land  and  scrip,  and  to  make  fat  offices 
for  their  cousins.  They  will  be  willing  to  let  the  nation  lose 
a  hundred  millions  if  they  can  secure  one  million  to  them 
selves,  or  merely  advance  their  own  relative  weight  in  the 
nation.  The  vast  commerce  we  have  afloat  they  have  but 
little  or  no  interest  in.  They  are  valiant  in  exposing  the 
lives  and  property  of  others.  They  may  think  it  easy  to  get 
out  of  the  war  after  they  have  sweated  and  reduced  the  thriv 
ing  free  States  down  to  a  certain  tarn  en  ess.  But  even  they 
ought  to  reflect  that  experience  makes  fools  wise ;  and  that 
their  repeated  experiments  on  the  Democracy  will  at  length 
open  its  eyes." 

A  still  more  deplorable  result,  the  nation,  as  guilty  of 
crime,  would  lose  its  prestige.  At  the  close  of  the  Kevolution- 
ary  War,  "  AVC  were  rich  in  public  virtues.  The  prayers  of 
continental  Europe  were  for  us ;  we  had  then  no  commerce 
that  had  awaked  the  jealousy  of  other  nations,  we  had  Hol 
land,  France,  and  Spain  in  the  field,  with  their  colonies,  cov 
ering  a  large  part  of  the  world,  contending  on  our  side ;  who, 
together,  made  a  population  of  at  least  seventy  millions,  to 
which  add  our  own  three  millions,  and  we  have  a  population 
of  seventy-three  millions,  whose  combined  navies  were  supe 
rior  to  that  of  England,  ready  to  support  our  pretensions. 
But  in  a  war  to  rob  Mexico  of  her  territory,  and  extend  sla 
very  where  shall  we  look  for  allies  ?  Whose  prayers  will  as 
cend  for  us  but  those  of  the  wicked  ?  All  the  morality,  all 


34:  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN. 

the  pure  religion  of  the  universe  will  point  their  thunders  at 
our  guilty  cause." 

But  not  merely  to  sustain  slavery  as  an  institution ;  not 
only  to  strengthen  slaveholders  as  a  class;  but  along  with 
these  things,  to  give  dominance  to  a  select  number  of  slave 
holders,  an  Aristocratic  Few  and  Calhoun  as  chief—the  es 
tablishing  permanently  the  slave  oligarchy :  this  was  the 
chief  and  controlling  end  to  be  secured  in  making  Mr.  Polk 
President,  and  annexation  was  to  be  the  instrument  in  his 
hands. 

In  another  article,  the  responsibilities  and  liabilities  our 
Government  would  assume  by  annexation,  were  stated  with 
great  clearness.  Under  Tyler  the  annexation  scheme  had  al 
ready  passed  the  House,  but  was  thus  far  kept  back  by  the 
Senate. 

"  The  people  are  asked  to  reverse  the  decision  by  electing 
Polk.  I  pretend  not  to  see  into  all  the  depths  of  that 
treaty  ;  but  some  of  its  provisions  ought  to  alarm  every  one ; 
their  tendency  to  inequality  is  so  manifest.  I  allude  to  the 
assumption  of  the  responsibilities  of  the  Texas  government, 
by  the  Government  of  the  United  States ;  and  to  the  unde 
fined  limits  of  Texas.  This,  in  connection  with  the  acts  of 
the  Texas  government,  prescribing  extravagant  boundaries  to 
the  Texas  Republic,  and  granting  whole  States  to  single  indi 
viduals,  indicate  a  fixed  design  to  establish  a  perpetual  ine 
quality,  not  only  in  Texas,  but  in  a  large  part  of  the  United 
States.  On  viewing  the  actors,  one  can  scarce  doubt  that  the 
exciting  of  the  rebellion  of  Texas  against  Mexico ;  the  mak 
ing  of  large  grants  of  her  land  to  single  individuals ;  the 
creation  of  her  debt  and  its  depreciation  and  sale,  for  from 
two  to  six  cents  for  the  dollar ;  and  the  project  of  the  treaty 
of  annexation,  were  the  parts  of  a  plan  for  erecting  a  stupen 
dous  oligarchy.  The  stupidity  of  the  North  and  West  was 
relied  on  to  assist  in  accomplishing  the  speculation ;  by  which 
immense  riches  would  come  to  a  few,  and  they,  in  return, 
would  rule  the  many.  The  word  democracy  was  doubtless 
deemed  sufficiently  narcotic  to  keep  the  reasoning  powers 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  35 

asleep ;  for  bold  experiments  had  already  been  tried  with  the 
word,  on  the  purse,  the  morals,  and  the  pride  of  consistency 
of  the  people,  with  great  success.  John  C.  Calhoun  had 
found  his  individual  advantage,  in  a  few  having  all  the  politi 
cal  power  in  South  Carolina.  No  wonder  one  so  consistent  as 
he  in  pursuing  his  object  of  crushing  free  labor,  merely  va 
rying  the  means  by  which  he  does  it,  now  supporting  and  now 
opposing  the  same  measures,  should  desire,  first,  To  have  the 
land  of  Texas  granted  chiefly  to  a  few  individuals ;  second, 
To  have  the  land  lying  'within  the  'United  States  owned  by 
the  same  men,  or  granted  in  the  same  large  quantities ;  third, 
The  debts  bought  mostly  by  those  in  the  secret,  for  two  to  six 
cents  on  the  dollar,  paid  off  at  par,  with  the  interest  thereon, 
amounting  perhaps  to  $1.50  or  $1.80  for  each  dollar,  as  this 
would  afford  both  the  means  and  the  end;  the  means  as 
bringing  a  swarm  of  interested  advocates  for  the  treaty ;  and 
the  end,  as  making  oligarchs  of  the  large  scrip  holders ;  and 
fourth,  As  the  means  of  effecting  the  three  preceding  objects, 
obligating  the  United  States,  by  treaty,  to  pay  all  the  debts  of 
Texas ;  fulfill  all  her  obligations,  and  issue  patents  to  her  land 
claimants." 

Pages  might  be  filled  with  extracts  equally  pungent  and 
pertinent,  from  those  ten  articles  in  the  Belmont  journal. 
Enough  have  been  given  to  show  those  of  a  later  day  that  Mr. 
Genin  comprehended  the  issue,  and  saw,  with  prophetic  eye,  the 
consequences.  Such  as  he  were  then  called  fanatics.  Now, 
history  accepts  them  as  the  true  prophets. 

Mr.  Polk,  by  the  unhappy  turn  of  the  election  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  was  elected.  Annexation  had,  in  form,  tri 
umphed  with  the  people — we  say  in  form,  for  the  number 
whose  eyes  were  open  to  the  real  purpose  of  the  measure  was 
comparatively  small.  Three  days  before  Mr.  Polk  took  the 
oath  of  office,  Texas  was  annexed  so  far  as  the  action  of  our 
Government  was  concerned.  In  the  Belmont  Chronicle, 
March  21,  Mr.  Genin  again  prophesied  what  just  before  he 
died  became  history. 

"  Congress  (the  lower  House,)  has,  by  annexing  Texas,  thus 
far  declared  war  against  Mexico.  What  for?  Plunder— to 


36  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

perpetuate  slavery,  and  raise  the  value  of  Texas  scrip !  Eng 
land  will  probably  be  a  party  in  the  war.  The  slave  power 
will  contrive  to  mix  the  Oregon  with  the  Texas  matter,  to  en 
list  the  West  in  the  quarrel.  A  quarrel  which  might  dissolve 
the  Union  as  the  least  of  evils.  If  the  Union  permits  itself 
to  be  used  to  establish  the  slave  power,  the  contest  will  be  long 
and  terrible ;  and  if  victory  declares  for  the  party  whose  stand 
ard  bears  the  motto,  i  Slavery  or  Death,'  our  liberties  will  be 
gone.  "  The  poor  whites  of  the  slave  States,  as  well  as  those 
of  the  free  States,  will  be  utterly  crushed  by  the  slave  power. 
The  same  meanness  that  makes  them  take  the  labor  of  the 
poor  for  a  peck  of  corn  a  week,  will,  on  occasion,  appear  in 
other  things.  The  free  States  will  vomit  their  '  doughfaces' 
who  have  dared  to  commit  them  to  a  crusade  against  liberty, 
through  hope  of  office,  to  be  given  by  the  slave  power.  Eight 
of  the  nine  democrats  from  New  York,  who  voted  for  annex 
ation,  were  left  out  at  the  last  election.  They  may  not  get 
their  reward  just  in  the  way  they  look  for  it,  if  I  read  rightly 
the  temper  of  the  times.  How  many  that  would  sacrifice 
everything  in  a  just  cause,  would  find  it  almost  impossible  to 
prevent  themselves  from  doing  justice  to  those  vermin,  who 
have  dared  to  shame  their  mother,  give  the  lie  to  the  Declara 
tion  of  Independence,  and  proclaim  that  their  country  is  a 
nest  of  pirates.  Especially  after  they  have  heard  of  the  death 
of  their  kindred  in  the  sickly  South,  or  seen  the  pale  corpses 
of  their  sons  brought  from  the  scenes  of  hateful  war,  and 
worse  than  murdered  by  their  sycophantic  votes.  The  Con 
stitution  has  been  boldly  violated.  It  could  not  be  more  so 
if  the  slave  oligarchy  had  turned  Congress  out  of  the  Capitol. 
They  will  whip  Northern  sycophants  into  their  traces,  as 
often  as  it  suits  their  interests  to  do  so.  They  make  the  Con 
stitution  a  bar  to  us ;  it  is  thin  air  to  them.  It  is  seriously  in 
our  way,  if  our  rivers  are  to  be  improved,  or  internal  com 
merce  promoted ;  but  not  at  all  in  the  way  of  assuming  the 
debts  of  England  or  Texas.  It  is  time  we  should  teach  our 
own  dogs  not  to  bite  us.  Let  no  one  get  it  into  his  head,  that 
if  his  child  is  called  a  calf,  he  must,  therefore,  sell  it  to  the 
butcher ;  nor  because  one  is  called  a  democrat,  that  he  must, 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  37 

therefore,  be  a  slave  to  slavery,  and  do  its  bidding,  though  it 
impoverish  the  people,  disgrace  the  nation,  and  murder  our 
children.  It  is  time  we  distinguished  names  from  things. 

"  The  contempt  of  the  slave  mongers  for  the  '  doughfaces' 
must  be  extreme.  Ours  ought  to  be  inexpressible.  They 
shovel  tilth  with  their  costliest  tools ;  and  would  not,  there 
fore,  stand  on  ceremony  with  the  traitors.  They  show  little 
regard  for  General  Jackson.  While  the  United  States  adjoin 
the  possessions  of  England  on  the  East  and  North,  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  they  publish  the  General's  ap 
prehensions  of  joining  her  on  the  Sabine,  to  the  great  amuse 
ment  of  the  world,  and  of  the  English  editors  in  particular — 
thus  showing,  at  one  stroke,  their  opinion  of  the  common 
sense  of  the  people,  and  their  regard  for  General  Jackson's 
reputation.  But  nothing  is  too  good  to  be  sacrificed  to  ad 
vance  the  power  of  the  oligarchy.  The  interests  of  a  very 
large  majority  of  the  Southern  people  are  trampled  on  to 
promote  this  power." 

Mr.  Genin  saw  the  culmination  of  all  pro-slavery  abomina 
tion  in  the  administration  of  President  Polk.  He  looked  upon 
the  man  as  weak.  The  power  behind  the  throne  was  Calhoun. 
Mr.  Buchanan,  while  Secretary  of  State  under  Polk,  was 
regarded  as  servile  in  the  hands  of  the  Oligarchy — eager  to 
consummate  the  work  of  annexation  which,  alone  of  all  the 
members  of  the  Senatorial  Committee  on  Foreign  Affairs,  he 
had  advocated.  In  an  article  entitled  "War  for  Slavery," 
published  in  the  Belmont  Chronicle,  for  March  31,  1845,  he 
thus  expressed  the  anti-slavery  estimate  of  public  men  and  the 
schemes  of  the  slave-holder.  In  special  allusion  to  Mr. 
Buchanan,  as  head  of  the  State  Department,  he  said :  "  This 
Northern  man,  with  Southern,  or  slave-sustaining  principles, 
is  to  conduct  all  our  foreign  relations ;  arrange  matters  with 
Texas  and  Mexico ;  settle  the  North-western  boundary ;  make 
commercial  treaties,  wMle  licking  the  feet  of  the  slave  power, 
that  demands  that  every  thing  be  sacrificed  to  its  political 
preponderance,  and  to  cotton  and  rice.  Of  course  the  foreign 
ministers,  whether  taken  from  the  North  or  the  South,  will 
probably  be  men  supposed  to  be  capable  of  braving  the  detes- 


38  THOMAS    HEDGES   GEOTN. 

tation  of  mankind,  for  the  sake  of  the  crumbs  of  office.  They 
will  be  mercenaries  in  the  war  of  slavery  against  human  rights, 
ready  to  sacrifice  northern  interests  to  the  slave  power  and 
denounce  Banks  that  have  no  vote  on  account  of  wealth,  while 
they  uphold  slavery,  that  gives  votes  to  wealth." 

Then  to  show  the  attitude  of  the  Administration  in  respect 
to  foreign  nations — the  efforts  to  induce  Great  Britain  to  fall 
in  with  American  propagandism  of  slavery,  he  adds : 

"The  Nashville  Union,  edited  by  a  late  United  States 
Senator,  speaks  of  the  selection  of  a  minister  to  Great  Britain, 
as  Mr.  Folk's  most  important  duty — as  'the  minister  will 
have  to  probe  to  the  very  bottom,  the  policy  of  that  govern 
ment  as  connected  with  our  institution  of  slavery.'  'What 
she  has  been  doing  to  carry  out  her  doctrines  of  universal 
abolition  of  slavery,  our  government  has  a  right  to  understand.' 
'  He  should  have  the  moral  courage  to  stand  up  in  the  face  of 
all  Europe,  and  vindicate  his  country  against  the  libellous 
charges  levelled  at  her  reputation  in  connection  with  the  in 
stitution  of  slavery.'  '"We  believe  that  this  momentous 
question  must  soon  come  to  a  crisis.'  'Let  the  crisis  first 
come  in  a  contest  with  England.  Let  all  the  civilized  powers 
of  Europe  be  found  arrayed  on  our  side,  and  abolition  at  home 
will  give  us  but  little  further  trouble.'  This  paper  is  said  to 
express  Mr.  Folk's  views.  If  so,  the  war  for  slavery  is  to  be 
prosecuted.  Civilized  Europe,  that  despises  slavery,  is  to  be 
made  our  ally ;  at  what  price  ?  Will  France  assist  us,  if  we 
will  take,  free  of  duty,  her  manufactures  of  iron,  cotton, 
woollens,  and  silk  \  Will  the  Germans  assist  us  on  like  condi 
tions  ?  For  there  must  be  great  advantages  offered  them  to 
make  them  assist  in  rolling  the  wheels  of  civilization  backward, 
and  trampling  on  the  laws  of  God  and  nature.  Can  the  slave 
power  purchase  help  by  the  sacrifice  of  the  dearest  interests 
of  the  free  States,  and  the  oppression  of  a  large  majority  of 
the  whites  of  the  slave  States  of  our  Union  \  That  power 
holds  the  reins  of  government,  with  all  its  means  of  bribery 
and  menace,  and  may  sell  us  for  its  benefit. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  39 

"  And  we  are  to  be  plunged  into  the  horrors  of  war  for  the 
support  of  this  pretty  slave  institution!  Texas  annexed; 
Mexico  robbed  ;  the  Oregon  treaty  violated  by  Congress ;  war 
provoked ;  our  lakes  left  undefended ;  and  no  ship  canal  pro 
posed  by  the  government,  from  Chicago  to  the  Mississippi,  by 
which  to  send  war  vessels  to  the  lakes,  while  England,  by  the 
"Welland  canal,  is  prepared  to  put  larger  ones  there  than  Com 
modore  Perry's  flag-ship,  of  the  last  war. 

"  But  what  cares  that  government  that  imposed  the  embargo, 
broke  down  the  tariff,  and  lets  millions  upon  millions  of  prop 
erty  be  yearly  destroyed  upon  our  rivers  ?  Yes,  what  cares 
that  government  for  the  destruction  of  the  whole  northern 
frontier  ?  Its  danger,  and  not  its  safety,  is  what  the  govern 
ment  seeks ;  judging  from  its  actions.  Of  the  ten  millions  paid 
yearly  by  the  Mississippi  valley  into  the  federal  treasury,  what 
paltry  sums  are  returned  to  improve  our  rivers;  and  Tyler 
has  withheld  even  these." 

Several  of  Mr.  Genin's  newspaper  articles,  more  or  less 
directly  relating  to  the  Annexation  Scheme,  or  to  matters 
growing  out  of  it,  have  so  prophetic  a  character,  that  we  reserve 
them  to  give,  entire  or  in  part,  in  the  compilation  of  his 
Literary  Remains  in  this  volume.  Among  these  we  include 
his  article  in  the  Belmont  Chronicle  on  "  The  Lexington  Mob." 
Cassius  M.  Clay  had  made  himself  very  obnoxious  to  the  Slave 
Oligarchy  by  the  vehemence  of  denunciations  of  the  institu 
tion  and  its  abettors,  in  connection  with  his  opposition  to 
Annexation.  In  1845,  after  the  election  of  Mr.  Polk — in 
whose  election  the  South  had  secured  a  great  triumph  and 
Annexation  was  prospectively  lost — Mr.  Clay  started  a  paper 
in  Lexington,  Kentucky,  to  advocate  the  cause  of  Emancipa 
tion.  He  had  incurred  great  hostility  from  his  earnest  opposi 
tion  to  Annexation.  He  was  a  marked  man ;  and  his  paper 
was  feared.  The  legitimate  way  of  counteracting  his  work 
would  have  been  a  resort  to  argument.  But  Slavery  never  did 
this  when  by  moboeratic  violence  it  found  a  shorter  road  to  the 
same  end.  And  the  press  in  Lexington  was  destroyed.  Mr. 
Genin's  article  on  the  outrage  is  both  history  and  philosophy. 


40  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIX. 

The  Annexation  secured,  the  next  game  was  to  quarrel  with 
Mexico.  Texas  was  large — the  area  of  bondage  was  greatly 
extended.  But  a  slice  of  Mexico  was  coveted  for  the  same 
purpose.  The  Abolitionists  and  Northern  Whigs  believed 
that  hostility  with  Mexico  was  not  accepted  by  the  party  in 
power,  but  that  it  was  wickedly  and  ingeniously  sought. 
Where  there  is  a  will  there  is  a  way.  Mr.  Polk  and  his 
advisers  soon  hit  upon  a  scheme. 

The  final  consummation  of  the  Annexation  Measure,  conse 
quent  upon  Mr.  Folk's  election,  had,  with  grave  reason,  greatly 
angered  Mexico.  It  was  a  skillful  device  to  ignite  the  flame 
of  her  irritability,  by  assuming  a  boundary  line  between  Texas 
and  Mexico  which  would  rob  the  latter  of  territory  she  thought 
rightfully  her  own. 

Mr.  Polk  claimed  a  line  considerably  to  the  west  of  what 
Mexico  conceded.  The  boundary  had  in  fact  never  been 
definitely  determined.  The  rival  claims'  made  the  territory 
between  the  two  points,  "  disputed  territory."  On  that  terri 
tory  Mexico  had  planted  a  military  force.  In  view  of  this, 
General  Taylor,  with  a  federal  army,  was  ordered  to  the  "  dis 
puted  territory,"  and  that  President  immediately  sent  a  mes 
sage  to  Congress  calling  for  an  army  and  supplies,  submitting 
a  resolution  with  these  words  in  the  preamble :  "  Whereas,  war 
exists  by  act  of  Mexico" 

Never  was  there  a  more  ingenious  device  to  trap  a  great 
party.  If  the  Whigs  voted  against  the  resolutions  on  account 
of  the  preamble,  they  would  be  damaged  in  the  eyes  of  the 
people,  on  the  ground  of  opposing  the  resolutions — of  refusing 
supplies  to  a  gallant  army !  If  they  voted  for  the  resolutions, 
in  order  to  protect  the  army,  they  put  themselves  on  record, 
as  voting  for  the  preamble,  that  the  war  existed  "  by  act  of 
Mexico ! "  The  Democratic  Party  was  too  strong  to  admit  of 
any  modification  of  this  preamble.  A  few  protesting  against 
the  preamble,  the  majority  voted  supplies,  and  so  went  on  the 
records,  as  voting  that  Mexico  was  the  guilty  party ! 

In  common  with  the  Abolitionists  and  Whigs  of  the  day, 
Mr.  Genin  characterized  the  preamble  as  a  "  lie."  All  through 
the  discussion  of  the  merits  of  the  Mexican  war,  the  words, 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  41 

"  the  war  exists  by  act  of  Mexico,"  were  treated  as  a  deliberate 
falsehood.  When  a  change  in  the  political  character  of  Con 
gress  attested  the  unpopularity  of  the  war,  the  supporters  of 
Mr.  Polk  fell  back  upon  the  plight  in  which  their  tactics  had 
placed  their  opponents,  in  constraining  them,  against  their 
inclinations,  to  go  on  to  the  record,  as  voting  that  Mexico 
took  the  initial  step  in  the  hostilities.  Hence  on  every  occa 
sion  they  coupled  allusions  to  the  merits  of  the  war,  and  the 
relations  of  parties  to  it,  with  the  preamble  announcement, 
that  Mexico  had  begun  the  war.  This  led  Mr.  Genin  to  in 
dite  a  brief  and  spicy  article  for  the  Belmont  Chronicle.  It 
condenses  the  history  of  that  phase  of  the  war  history,  and  is 
a  fair  specimen  of  the  party  invective  and  party  epithets  of 
the  time.  His  article  appeared  February  18,  1847,  as  fol 
lows: 

"  Will  the  political  leaders  of  the  Democrats  never  believe 
that  Mexico  began  the  war  f 

"  Who  oft  repeats  a  lie, 
Himself  deceives  thereby ; 
For  as  his  memory  fails, 
His  will  o'er  truth  prevails. 

"  They  would  not  let  the  ten  millions  of  money  and  the  fifty 
thousand  men  be  voted  for,  without  the  insertion  of  the  lie. 
They  would  not  let  a  vote  of  thanks  pass  to  General  Taylor 
without  an  effort  to  crowd  in  the  same  Ue,  to  wit :  That 
Mexico  legan  the  war.  It  is  laughable  to  see  how  they  per 
sist  in  exhibiting  their  own  disbelief  of  it ;  particularly  Mr. 
Polk.  He  occupies  in  his  annual  message  many  columns 
to  show  that  we  have  a  right  to  make  war  on  Mexico ;  a 
needless  labor,  if  he  believed  the  aforesaid  lie  to  be  a  truth, 
unless  he  thinks  that  we  may  not  defend  ourselves  when  at 
tacked.  What  a  pity  that  the  people  of  the  United  States 
have  lost  the  good  opinion  of  their  servants  at  Washington, 
who  address  them  as  if  they  had  not  intelligence  enough  to 
be  accountable  beings.  If  the  sovereign  people  bid  the  head 


42  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Jack  to  hoy  or  gee  a  little  as  he  pulls  the  national  cart,  en 
dangering  the  load,  he  brays  out  treason,  "  aid  and  comfort  to 
the  enemy,"  and  rushes  on  spilling  from  50  to  100  millions  in 
the  lap  of  Texas,  in  part,  and  claims  to  rebuke  his  masters,  in 
stead  of  being  castigated  by  them. 

"  But  the  most  degrading  compliment  that  has  found  its 
way  from  Washington ;  one  that  carries  more  of  hell  on  its 
face  and  prospective  misery,  than  pen  can  describe,  is,  that 
our  people  are  fond  of  war,  right  or  wrong ;  or  that  all  wars 
are  necessarily  popular  with  them.  If  the  politicians  have 
judged  correctly  of  the  inclination  of  the  masses  for  war,  they 
may  well  wish  to  preserve  the  Union  !  Its  dissolution  would 
be  the  signal  for  human  butchery." 

In  a  newspaper  article  published  December  17,  1847,  Mr. 
Genin  analyses  President  Folk's  message  to  Congress,  to  show 
how  studiously  the  untruth  in  the  famous  preamble  was  put 
forth.  There  is  a  string  of  quotations,  which  seen  in  juxta 
position,  are  most  significant.  "  The  war  in  which  the  United 
States  were  forced  to  engage  still  continues."  "  The  Mexican 
Government  involved  the  two  countries  in  war  by  invading 
the  territory  of  the  State  of  Texas,' £  by  striking  the  first  How, 
and  shedding  the  blood  of  our  citizens  on  our  own  soil.'1  '  She 
commenced  hostilities.*1  '  Though  the  United  States  was  the 
aggrieved  nation  Mexico  commenced  the  war,'  '  and  we  were 
compelled  in  self  defence  to  repel  the  invader?  i  The  unjusti 
fiable  and  unprovoked  commencement  of  hostilities  by  her.' 
4  A  just  war  on  our  part,  and  one  which  by  the  act  of  the 
enemy  we  could  not  honorably  have  avoided.'  ( By  her  own 
conduct  we  have  been  compelled  to  engage  in  the  pres 
ent  war.'  '  The  war  which  Mexico  has  forced  upon  us.' 
'  Their  faithless  Government  which  had  commenced  hostili- 


Mr.  Genin  reasons  that  such  constant  reiteration  of  the  al 
legation  betrays  a  doubt,  on  the  author's  part,  of  the  truth  of 
the  general  statement.  Men  are  content  to  say  what  they 
honestly  believe.  But  sincerity  does  not  continually  recur  to 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  43 

the  allegation.  Too  much  protestation  is  indicative  of  an  un 
easy  conscience.  Mr.  Genin  follows  up  the  quotations  with 
an  apt  comment : 

"  When  a  servant  told  his  master  he  had  shut  the  gate  the 
third  time,  the  master  began  to  suspect  he  was  lying ;  but  on 
hearing  him  assert  it  the  fourth  time,  he  lost  all  confidence, 
and  on  going  to  see  if  it  was  shut,  found  it  wide  open. 

"By  attempting  to  wrap  wickedness  in  the  cloak  of  justice, 
Polk  pays  a  compliment  to  the  virtue  of  our  people ;  but 
what  opinion  must  he  have  formed  of  their  sagacity  ?  Does 
he  suppose  they  cannot  discriminate  truth  from  falsehood? 
He  talks  as  if  he  had  very  little  respect  for  the  intelligence  of 
the  people  though  he  does  them  the  honor  to  suppose  they 
have  a  sense  of  justice.  "Will  not  schoolmasters  be  embar 
rassed  in  correcting  certain  faults  of  youth  if  the  urchin  may 
plead  the  President's  example  ?  May  not  the  little  word  of 
three  letters  be  at  length  supplanted  and  knock-downs  come 
off  from  the  charge,  "you  have  told  a  Polk?"  The  word 
dun,  it  is  said,  came  from  one  John  Dun  who  was  noted  for 
his  obstinacy  in  the  pursuit  of  debtors." 

The  anathemas  heaped  upon  those  who  opposed  the  war, 
to  the  effect  that  they  were  traitors,  aiding  and  abetting  their 
country's  enemies,  were  potent  to  silence  the  tongues  of  not  a 
few,  who  were  at  heart  and  in  conscience  convinced  of  its 
iniquity  on  the  part  of  the  administration.  But  such 
things  affected  the  anti-slavery  war-horse  of  St.  Glairs ville, 
about  as  much  as  a  shower  of  sand  would  have  daunted  a 
mail-clad  warrior.  His  pen  was  ever  ready,  in  the  use  of  bit 
ter  invective,  to  uncover  the  "  lie"  and  characterise  the  wrong. 
Alluding  to  previous  predictions  all  made  good,  he  exclaims : 
"  We  have  war,  destruction  of  the  protective  tariff,  the  sub- 
treasury,  almost  total  disregard  of  ^Northern  and  Western  in 
terests,  emptying  of  the  national  purse  into  Texas,  to  benefit 
her  land  speculators ;  the  nation  made  the  slave  of  slavery ; 
if  Texas'  debts  are  not  assumed,  ten  times  their  amount  in 
curred  to  conquer  land  for  her,  and  to  make  good  her  grants 


44  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

to  individuals,  to  build  up  an'  aristocracy ;  a  large  army  under 
the  rules  and  articles  of  war ;  the  agricultural  wantonly  sacri 
ficed  to  the  cotton  planting  interest.  There  is  wanting  only 
direct  taxation  to  complete  the  series  of  evils  which  it  was 
said  would  follow  Folk's  election ;  this  sweet  morsel  is  re 
served  for  the  next  succeeding  session  of  Congress  perhaps. 
The  slave-power  will  meet  our  detestable  doughfaces  to  carry 
this  measure ;  but  it  will  not  be  ready  to  enforce  it  to  the  ex 
tent  of  its  wishes,  until  a  sufficient  military  force  is  at  its  dis 
posal.  This  force  it  may  get  on  pretence  of  raising  troops 
for  Mexico.  Polk  would  not  have  dared  to  violate  the  Consti 
tution  by  taking  it  upon  himself  to  make  war  if  he  had  not 
been  promised  impunity  by  the  clique  behind  the  curtain.  A 
fourth  rate  man,  invested  with  power,  is  commonly  the  tool 
of  first  and  second  rate  men,  who  make  him  do  what  they 
would  not  do  themselves ;  just  as  they  use  a  poker  to  stir  a 
fire,  thrusting  it  where  they  would  not  put  their  own  fingers." 

Mr.  Genin  saw  nothing  but  a  conspiracy  aiming  at  plunder 
in  the  inception  and  progress  of  the  war — the  lords  of  the 
plantation  dividing  among  themselves  the  spoils.  "  The  slave 
clique,"  he  says,  "  agree  to  make  each  other  rich  ;  start  rebel 
lion  in  Texas  ;  parcel  out  small  quantities  of  land  to  the  rank 
and  file ;  take  thousands  of  square  miles  to  each  of  them 
selves  ;  '  startle '  Tyler  with  proposing  the  treaty  of  annex 
ation  ;  which  he  accepts,  the  Senate,  however,  rejecting.  No 
matter,  the  doughfaces  annex  by  joint  resolution  while  war 
exists  between  Texas  and  Mexico,  and  thus  declare  war. 
Polk  then  orders  Taylor  into  Mexico.  The  Mexicans  resist, 
of  course,  and  peace  must  not  be  made  unless  the  bounds  of 
Texas  are  enlarged  so  as  to  enable  her  to  make  good  her  vast 
grants  of  lands  to  individuals,  and  pay  off  her  scrip.  It  was 
thought  our  very  intelligent  people  would  not  see  into  this 
method  of  assuming  the  debts  of  Texas,  and  using  the  resour 
ces  of  the  nation  for  the  benefit  of  as  worthy  a  band  of  specu 
lators  as  ever  combined  to  build  palaces  with  fools'  money, 
regardless  of  human  misery  ;  the  tears  of  parents,  widows  and 
orphans." 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  45 

The  audacity  of  waging  war  in  the  interest  of  slaveholding 
speculators,  at  enormous  cost  of  money  and  men,  while  every 
species  of  industry  in  which  the  North  and  West  were  inter 
ested  ;  the  neglect  of  western  rivers  and  lake-harbors  on 
grounds  of  constitutional  scruples,  while  in  defiance  of  the 
Constitution,  the  Executive  placed  an  army  on  disputed  terri 
tory  :  these  things  belong  to  the  history  of  Mr.  Folk's  Ad 
ministration.  Mr.  Genin's  sarcasm  and  complaint  put  forth 
in  a  newspaper  article  in  March,  1848,  are  a  transcript  of 
the  feeling  of  the  majority  in  the  North  and  "West  at  the 
period.  He  wrote : 

"  It  is  said  that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  has 
sent  persons  to  explore  and  survey  the  Dead  Sea  in  the  conti 
nent  of  Asia — a  sea  whose  size  is  about  seven  miles  by  twenty- 
four.  The  river  Jordan  falls  into  it.  Its  water  is  clear,  and 
so  heavy  with  salt  and  bitumen  that  the  human  body  will  sink 
in  it  no  farther  than  the  shoulders.  As  the  grave  of  guilty 
cities,  it  is  an  object  of  interest  to  all,  and  particularly  to 
those  whose  conscience  upbraid  them  for  the  enormous  wicked 
ness  of  the  Mexican  war.  While  laws  for  the  improvement 
of  our  harbors  and  rivers  are  vetoed  for  a  pretended  want  of 
power  in  the  Constitution  to  protect  us  from  snags  and  storms, 
which  yearly  destroy  millions  of  property  and  hundreds  of 
lives,  the  President,  it  seems,  finds  no  difficulty  in  sending  an 
expedition  some  6,000  miles  even  without  an  appropriation  by 
Congress,  merely  to  gratify  curiosity.  He  may  wish  to  know 
the  shape  of  its  shores,  its  depths,  and  especially  whether  any 
remains  of  the  wicked  cities  can  be  found  in  it ;  but  it  is  not 
unlikely  that  the  intelligence  that  originated  the  adventure 
wished  to  know  what  farther  responsibilities  the  President 
might  be  permitted  to  assume.  The  cat's-paw  often  has  one 
object,  the  wire-worker  another.  John  Tyler  was  got  to  make 
a  treaty,  annexing  to  the  United  States  a  State  at  war  with  a 
foreign  nation.  Whatever  he  intended,  the  intelligence  that 
acted  in  the  matter  meant  to  involve  us  in  war.  Although 
the  Senate  rejected  this  treaty,  the  same  intelligence  persisted 


46  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

in  its  object ;  made  Congress  annex  by  a  mere  majority,  or 
attempt  to  annex ;  for  no  legal  annexation  can  exist  until, 
two-thirds  of  the  Senate  shall  ratify  a  treaty  of  annexation. 
So  says  Albert  Gallatin  among  others,  yet,  though  not  in 
point  of  law,  in  the  Union,  the  votes  of  Texas  have  assisted 
to  impose  on  us  the  tariff  of  1846,  whose  evils  a  foreign  fam 
ine  has  concealed.  Though  not  lawfully  in  the  Union,  Texas 
is  there  in  fact,  doing  war  upon  free  labor,  and  sustaining  the 
slave  power — a  power  that  will  expend  for  us  sixty-two  mil 
lions  the  current  year  ending  July  1,  1848,  and,  perhaps,  an 
nex  Mexicans  enough  to  give  that  race  the  balance  of  power 
in  all  time  to  come,  in  this  Government." 

The  Mexican  war  waged  by  a  party,  and  urged  for  the  pur 
pose  of  keeping  a  party  in  power,  was,  in  the  not  very  remote 
result,  likely  to  overthrow  that  party  from  a  cause  that  grad 
ually  became  obvious.  The  brilliant  victories  of  Gen.  Zach- 
ary  Taylor  had  made  him  the  idol  of  the  people ;  and  Gen. 
Taylor,  though  not,  as  he  himself  said,  an  "  Ultra- Whig,"  was 
nevertheless  a  Whig.  Gen.  Scott  was  leading  a  victorious  army 
towards  the  Halls  of  the  Montezumas.  And  Gen.  Scott  was 
an  avowed  Whig.  The  great  success  of  the  war  had  raised 
up  rivals  in  the  opposition  party  :  the  prize  was  in  imminent 
danger  of  being  snatched  aw^ay. 

Gen.  Scott  was  outspoken  in  his  belief  that  the  Adminis 
tration  was  arranging  for  him  a  defeat.  Gen.  Taylor,  though 
not  so  communicative,  had  the  same  impression,  it  was  at  the 
time  confidently  believed.  Official  reports  gave  the  gener 
als  large  armies.  Gen.  Scott  complained  that  they  were  paper 
armies.  In  his  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  September 
18,  1847,  he  complained :  "  This  army  has  been  more  dis 
gusted  than  surprised  that  by  some  sinister  process  on  the 
part  of  certain  individuals  at  home,  its  numbers  have  been, 
generally,  almost  trebled  in  our  public  papers — beginning  at 
Washington."  He  then  states  that  he  had  at  Contreras, 
Churubusco  and  other  places,  August  20th,  but  8,497  men, 
and  in  the  two  days,  September  12th  and  13th,  the  whole 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  4ft 

operating  force  was  but  7,1S(T  men,  the  remains  of  10,738, 
(after  deducting  those  killed  and  wounded,  and  left  in  garri 
son,)  with  which  he  marched  from  Jalapa. 

A  war  correspondent,  writing  from  the  city  of  Mexico, 
October  3d  of  the  same  year,  said  :  "  It  is  difficult  to  account 
for  the  fact  that  we  are  here,  in  the  great  Capital  of  Mex 
ico — not  the  22,000  paper  men  of  the  UNION,  but  what  is 
left  of  the  10,000  real  men  by  whom  the  work  of  subjugation 
has  been  accomplished.  After  a  succession  of  battles — each 
one  of  which  may  be  counted  a  forlorn  hope — after  a  succes 
sion  of  victories — each  one  of  which  was  obtained  over  an  im 
mensely  superior  force — *  here  amid  the  Halls  of  the  Monte- 
zumas '  the  numerically  insignificant  band  of  Anglo-Saxons 
has  found  a  resting  place  from  its  toils  and  dangers."  A 
statement  in  the  Administration  organ,  gave  Taylor  9,000 
men  at  the  battle  of  Buena  Yista.  His  actual  force  was  less 
than  5,000,  if  the  General's  statement  is  to  be  believed. 

The  temptation  to  ruin  the  successful  generals,  under  the 
circumstances,  was  very  strong.  It  is  a  serious  charge,  how 
ever,  that  a  party  in  power  would  for  any  cause,  be  guilty  of 
so  great  a  crime.  Possibly  the  facts  may  be  explained  on 
some  other  hypothesis.  Mr.  Genin,  and  the  great  body  cf 
Anti-Slavery  men  and  Whigs,  whom  he  represented,  believed 
the  party  of  Polk  capable  even  of  so  great  a  treason.  In  view 
of  the  facts  just  given,  he  wrote  : 

"  A  reflecting  people  (declared  by  their  demagogues  to  be 
the  most  intelligent  on  earth)  will  see  in  this  conduct  of  the 
Union  a  conviction  on  the  part  of  the  Editor  and  his  employ 
ers,  that  both  Scott  and  Taylor  were  not  provided  with  forces 
sufficient  to  insure  victory.  And  why  ?  Ah,  why  !  Congress 
certainly  had-  placed  sufficient  means  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Government,  and  all  it  demanded.  Did  the  Government  in 
tend  that  those  generals  should  be  defeated  ?  Did  its  organ, 
the  Union,  circulate  a  lie  in  advance  of  the  expected  defeat  ? 
with  the  view  of  throwing  the  blame  of  that  defeat  upon  the 
generals  ?  Was  the  Government  alarmed  at  the  popularity 
of  those  generals  ?  Can  the  Government  be  so  wicked  as  to 


48  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

try  to  sacrifice  thousands  of  their  brave  countrymen  merely  to 
depress  political  rivals  ?" 

The  war  over,  Mexico  humbled  and  her  territory  conquered, 
and  Gen.  Taylor  in  the  Presidential  chair,  the  Oligarchy  grew 
yet  more  insolent.  They  met  with  unlooked-for  virtue  in  the 
President  of  their  choice.  But  death  soon  removed  him,  and 
the  reorganized  Administration  was  adapted  to  the  next  move 
on  the  political  chess-board.  The  "  Wilmot  Proviso,"  restrict 
ing  Slavery  from  new  territory,  was  defeated.  The  Fugitive 
.  Slave-Law  was  passed,  and  enforced  with  every  accompani 
ment  of  insolence,  oppression  and  brutality. 

The  South  needed  another  pretext  for  aggression.  -The  folly 
of  the  brave  John  Brown  was  opportune.  The  entire  North 
was  laughing  over  the  fright  of  Gov.  Wise.  Mr.  Genin  did 
not  believe  the  Virginia  Governor  frightened.  He  saw  in  his 
seeming  fear,  a  piece  of  strategy,  making  the  most  of  Brown's 
raid  to  fire  the  Southern  heart.  Among  his  unpublished 
papers  we  find  a  letter,  dated  St.  Clairsville,  December  24, 
1859,  addressed  to  Sidney  C.  Genin,  a  nephew,  from  which 
we  make  a  few  extracts  : 

"  Gov.  Wise  is  not  as  great  a  coward,  perhaps,  as  his  acts 
indicate  ;  nor  is  the  slave  power  as  apprehensive  of  Northern 
aggression  as  it  pretends  to  be.  The  hubbub  is  made  as  part 
of  a  plan  to  unite  the  South,  so  as  to  rule  the  North  by  pur 
chasing  the  leaders  of  one  of  the  parties  in  the  North  with 
Federal  offices — these  offices  to  be  placed  at'  its  disposal  by 
means  of  Southern  united  action.  By  making  much  noise 
about  Old  Brown  it  hopes  to  reduce  the  size  of  the  Republi 
can  Party,  and  unite  the  Southern  people,  so  as  to  give  the 
slave  power  the  strength  of  unity.  Still  the  leaders,'  (like  the 
French  noblesse  v?lier\  they  joined  with  the  extreme  Democrats 
against  the  moderates  or  philosophers  in  the  revolution  of 
1790,)  may  set  a  ball  in  motion  which  they  cannot  stop  at  the 
safe  point.  They  threatened  the  dissolution  of  the  Union  if 
Fremont  was  elected,  though  elected  constitutionally  ;  which 
means  that  they  must  rule  or  ruin.  They  thought  to  break 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  49 

the  Missouri  compact,  and  then  drive  off  plain  farmers  from 
Kansas,  by  sending  Mayor  Buford  with  his  three  or  four  hun 
dred  ruffian  Southerners  with  weapons  instead  of  ploughs ; 
but  Brown  and  others  sent  them  howling  back  to  their  South 
ern  employers.  And  Brown  has  given  them  a  slight  taste  of 
the  same  treatment,  at  Harper's  Ferry,  on  behalf  of  liberty, 
which  Buford  accorded  in  Kansas  on  behalf  of  Slavery.  The 
invasions  of  both  Buford  and  Brown  have  luckily  been  re 
pelled.  The  slave  power  began  the  contest,  which  may 
end  in  the  dissolution  of  the  Union  much  sooner  than  the 
slave  power  expects.  It  wants  the  Union  as  Pharoah  wanted 
to  retain  the  Hebrews,  and  for  a  similar  reason.  With  one- 
third  of  the  white  population  it  has  appropriated  three-fourths 
of  the  federal  offices,  the  other  fourth  being  sufficient  to  pur 
chase  the  necessary  amount  of  doughfaces  for  declaring  Flor 
ida  and  Mexican  wars  and  purchasing  slave  territory,  and  giv 
ing  up  territory  in  Maine  and  Oregon  to  which  it  had  declared 
our  right  was  unquestionable,  and  certainly  it  would  like  to 
thrust  its  evil  hand  into  Northern  pockets  to  purchase  Cuba. 
It  is  not  content  to  work  negro  slaves,  it  must  have  Northern 
men  with  collars  with  Southern  principles.  The  Southern 
leaders  were  probably  never  more  bent  on  Union  than  now, 
when  loudly  threatening  disunion.  They  threatened  disunion 
in  order  to  be  allowed  to  have  things  in  their  own  way — to 
make  the  timorous  abstain  from  voting  for  Fremont,  and  con 
tinue  the  sceptre  in  the  hands  of  the  slave  power.  The  im 
pudence  of  this  slave  power  exceeds  the  imaginative  powers 
of  most  minds.  About  one-twentieth  of  the  white  population 
of  the  South  own  slaves.  This  one-twentieth  assume  that  it 
is  criminal,  or  at  least  highly  incendiary,  for  the  other  nine- 
teen-twentieths  to  discuss  their  own  interests,  lest  it  should 
interfere  with  the  interests  of  the  one-twentieth. 

"  If  it  should  be'  discovered  that  it  has  allured  Old  Brown 
to  invade  Virginia — though  very  improbable — it  would  be  per 
ceived  that  it  might  have  done  it  on  the  same  principle  that 
Douglass  was  allured  to  propose  the  breaking  the  Missouri 
compact ;  for  the  object  is  to  keep  up  some  pretext  or  ground 
on  which  to  agitate  the  subject,  whereby  the  whole  South 


50  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

may  be  kept  together.  If  the  invasion  is  without  its  seeking, 
it  is  still  a  God-send,  of  which  it  evidently  means  to  make  the 
utmost  use  in  uniting  the  masters  by  the  pressure  of  fear,  and 
by  the  political  force  of  that  unity  intimidating  the  timorous 
of  the  North,  and  encouraging  the  party  in  the  Free  States 

that  acts  in  concert  with  the  slave  power." 

p 

Whom  the  gods  would  destroy  they  first  make  mad.  "With 
every  victory  the  insolence  of  the  Slave  Oligarchy  increases. 
Each  outrage  upon  liberty  successful  led  to  another  still  more 
audacious.  The  Mexican  War  was  followed  by  most  tyranni 
cal  legislation  in  Congress,  offensive  to  the  North.  The  Mis 
souri  compromise  was  repealed.  Then  came  secession.  Then 
the  long  and  dreadful  war.  And,  at  last,  victory  to  the  Right. 
The  nation  was  saved,  and  the  oligarchy  forever  disenthroned. 
Liberty  was  triumphant.  As  these  later  events  came  to  pass, 
Mr.  Geniu  had  ceased  to  be  young.  But  he  had  not  ceased  to 
feel  a  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  his  country ;  and  the  sev 
eral  papers  on  the  war  of  rebellion,  which  make  a  part  of  this 
volume,  may  be  left  to  tell  in  what  spirit,  in  what  clearness 
of  vision,  in  what  fidelity  to  conviction,  and  in  what  intellect 
ual  strength,  he  did  service  for  his  country,  in  the  hour  of  its 
greatest  peril.  The  nearness  of  the  crisis  renders  needless  for 
the  purposes  of  this  Biographical  Sketch  a  detailed  analysis 
of  its  conflicts  and  triumphs. 

The  gun  fired  upon  Sumter  opened  a  million  eyes  to  the 
purposes  of  the  oligarchy.  It  did  not  open  the  eyes  of  such 
as  Thomas  H.  Genin.  In  the  Secession  Conspiracy,  men  like 
Mr.  Genin  saw  becoming  actual  what  they  had  so  long  pre 
dicted.  And  they  did  not  fear  the  issue.  The  venerable  sage 
of  St.  Clairsville  for  the  hundredth  time  flew  to  his  pen.  He 
once  more  gave  a  warning  not  to  tamper,  not  to  compromise 
with  the  conspirators.  The  spirit  of  his  exhortation  was, 
Stand  up  for  principle,  fight  for  the  Eight,  and  the  end  need 
not  be  feared.  He  did  not  close  his  mortal  eyes  without  the 
glory  of  seeing  all  his  patriotic  prayers  answered — a  nation 
purified,  saved,  and  made  potent  and  active,  on  the  side  of 
Liberty,  regardless  of  Race  or  Color. 


BIOGEAPHICAL   SKETCH.  51 

In  sketching  the  character,  career,  and  work  of  Thomas  H. 
Genin,  we  have  given  prominence  to  his  anti-slavery  history. 
This  is  the  characteristic  in  which  he  has  the  greatest  claim 
upon  the  gratitude  and  reverence  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived. 
It  is  the  feature  which  those  who  best  knew  and  esteemed 
him,  will  most  care  to  see  preserved  in  this  Memorial.  We 
have,  therefore,  given  a  running  sketch  of  the  anti-slavery 
history,  from  the  demonstration  of  Lundy  down  to  the  aboli 
tion  of  the  institution  through  the  war  of  rebellion.  And, 
omitting  for  most  part  other  matters,  we  have  traced  Mr. 
Genin's  relation  to  that  history  in  chronological  and  consec 
utive  order,  using  freely  salient  paragraphs  from  his  writings. 
In  the  publication  of  his  more  elaborate  papers,  such  as  it 
seemed  best  to  omit  in  this  department,  his  work  will  find 
recognition.  Let  him  be  known  in  coming  time  as  the  bold, 
faithful,  and  intelligent  Friend  of  the  Slave — the  fearless  and 
effective  champion  of  Freedom — the  unselfish  Patriot,  who 
sought  his  country's  welfare  in  seeking  to  amend  its  wrongs, 
as  well  as  to  maintain  its  rights.  Sacred  be  the  memory  of 
the  liberty-loving,  patriotic  sage ! 

We  have  taken  note  of  the  fact,  that  by  a  necessity  of  his 
nature,  Mr.  Genin  was  compelled  to  think  of  many  things. 
He  could  not  concentrate  all  his  powers  upon  any  one  enter 
prise,  no  matter  how  vast,  nor  how  much  it  might  claim  a 
consecrated  toil.  All  subjects,  all  interests,  all  enterprises,  all 
discoveries,  must  be  brought  in  review  by  this  many-sided 
thinker.  The  papers  which,  in  part,  make  the  literary  com 
pilation  presented  in  this  volume,  will  be  the  tangible  evi 
dence  of  the  variety  of  his  gifts,  and  .the  varied  manifestations 
of  his  laborious  mind. 

Next  to  the  Slavery  Question,  Mr.  Genin  seems  to  have  re 
garded  the  question  of  a  protective  tariff  of  most  importance 
among  matters  of  State  or  National  concern.  But  he  evi 
dently  saw  a  vital  connection  between  the  two.  The  South 
was  opposed  to  such  protection  to  native  industry,  because 
they  saw  therein  a  measure  inimical  to  slave  labor.  Mr. 


52  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Gemn  was  a  zealous  advocate  of  protective  tariffs,  because, 
among  other  things,  he  saw  therein  a  way  to  strengthen  free 
labor  in  competition  with  labor  by  slaves.  In  a  tariff  he  saw 
an  aid  to  freedom — a  foe  to  slavery ;  so  he  thought.  Hence, 
in  one  of  the  series  of  articles  in  which  he  opposes  the  elec 
tion  of  Mr.  Polk,  on  the  ground  of  opposition  to  annexation, 
as  a  pro-slavery  measure,  it  seemed  to  him  no  digression  from 
the  main  subject,  but  rather  a  legitimate  phase  of  it  to  add. 

"  A  word  on  the  necessity  of  a  tariff.  Suppose  we  have  a 
tariff — England  wishes  to  destroy  say  our  cotton  manufacture. 
She  offers  a  premium  of  two  cents  a  yard  on  all  cottons  ex 
ported  to  the  United  States.  Our  manufacturers  of  that  ar 
ticle  must  then  quit  the  business.  They  would  even  ship  the 
raw  material  on  hand  to  England  to  be  sold  rather  than  work 
it  up  at  a  loss.  In  two  years  or  less  the  manufacture  would  ' 
disappear ;  the  operatives  be  scattered ;  gone  to  England  for 
work ;  or  become  farmers.  Then  cottons  would  rise.  Eng 
land  would  regulate  the  supply  according  to  the  demand,  and 
not  supply  such  an  amount  as  to  injure  the  market, — as  the 
Dutch  used  to  burn  ship  loads  of  spices  in  the  East  Indies 
when  the  amount  on  hand  was  seen  to  be  more  than  would 
keep  prices  firm  in  Europe.  What  now  sells  for  eight  cents 
would  soon  rise  to  twenty  cents  per  yard,  then  the  English  ex 
porter  could  afford  to  pay  his  government  an  excise  duty  of 
three  cents  per  yard.  If  that  government  should  disburse  ten 
millions  in  premiums  to  destroy  our  manufactures,  it  would 
soon  be  reimbursed  twenty  millions  from  the  payment  of  ex 
cise.  Now,  a  tariff  prevents  foreign  nations  from  attempting 
such  enterprises  against  us.  Domestic  competition  keeps 
prices  as  low  as  from  the  nature  of  things  the  article  can  be 
made  for.  When  the  tariff  is  moderate  the  foreign  article 
swells  the  competition  and  aids  in  reducing  prices  after  hav 
ing  paid  the  government  a  duty,  which  duty  is  paid  by  the 
foreigners.  If  a  man  come  to  the  St.  Clairsville  market  with 
butter,  does  he  get  any  more  for  it  per  pound  because  he  has 
paid  toll  for  it  at  the  turnpike  gate  on  his  way  thither  ?  Sup 
ply  and  demand  regulate  price ;  it  falls  with  increased  supply 
and  rises  with  increased  demand." 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH.  53 

The  relation  of  the  Banking  system  to  the  slavery  question 
is  not  so  obvious  as  that  of  the  tariff.  But  in  the  develop 
ment  of  party  measures  growing  out  of  the  administration  of 
Andrew  Jackson,  hard  money,  as  well  as  free  trade  (except  so 
far  as  a  tariff  was  an  essential  to  the  National  revenue),  be 
came,  along  with  slavery,  a  "  Southern  measure" — at  least  the 
strength  of  those  measures  was  among  the  Southern  politi 
cians.  Mr.  Genin  opposed  Jackson.  Accordingly,  he  be 
came  a  champion  of  banking  institutions,  and  a  defender  of 
particular  systems  of  banking.  He  studied  the  subject  as  a 
political  economist.  He  wrote  of  it  as  a  philosopher,  as  well 
as  a  partizan.  A  few  of  his  essays  on  the  general  subject 
will  be  found  worthy  of  careful  reading.  They  will  appear 
in  the  proper  connection  in  this  volume. 

Mr.  Genin  was  among  the  first  to  see  the  necessity  of  a  re 
form  in  Postal  Laws.  Cheap  postage,  he  argued,  would  en 
courage  letter  writing,  strengthen  social  relationship,  greatly 
increase  the  spread  of  knowledge,  and  in  various  ways  "  pay," 
in  other  senses  than  putting  money  into  the  treasury.  And 
he  prophesied — wisely  as  the  result  proved — that  cheap  post 
age  would  increase  the  revenue.  The  following  petition  to 
Congress  was  drawn  up  by  him  in  1843.  It  is  worthy  of 
preservation  for  the  soundness  of  its  reasoning,  and  the  sage 
wisdom  it  embodies : 

"  The  undersigned,  citizens  of  Belmont  county,  Ohio,  re 
quest  that  the  postage  be  reduced  to  five  cents  on  all  letters 
for  all  distances,  not  exceeding  a  half  an  ounce  in  weight ; 
and  that  three  cents  be  added  for  each  additional  half  ounce ; 
and  that  all  printed  matter  be  charged  indiscriminately  one 
half  cent  per  sheet  of  five  hundred  square  inches — and  that 
the  franking  privilege  be  abolished,  because, 

"  1.  It  will  promote  the  public  convenience — to  effect  which 
measures  should  be  taken,  whether  they  defray  their  own  ex 
penses  or  not — next  to  measures  of  national  defence,  we  could 
scarcely  be  taxed  for  a  greater  good,  if  taxation  would  be 
necessary  to  supply  a  deficiency  which  we  do  not  admit — For, 

"  2.  It  will  increase  the  revenue — Thousands  of  business  in 
quiries  will  be  made,  which  the  present  high  rates  discourage. 


54:  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

The  trunks  and  pockets  of  travellers  will  be  disburdened  of 
lettters,  private  express  will  be  discontinued,  as  well  as  other 
rivals  of  the  public  mails.  The  affections  will  le  cultivated, 
and  the  Union  cemented,  for  more  than  one-third  the  whole 
population  of  the  United  States  has  migrated,  and  but  for  the 
present  prohibitive  rates  of  postage  would  keep  up  an  exten 
sive  correspondence  with  old  friends  and  connections.  Thus 
the  western  social  attrition  would  cast  its. brightness  on  the 
east,  and  the  latter  reciprocate  the  intelligence. 

"  3.  It  will  advance  the  cause  of  education — As  well  by  the 
rapid  interchange  of  productions,  as  by  inducing  correspond 
ence  between  relatives  and  acquaintances,  whose  mutual  crit 
icism  would  greatly  improve.  Nor  should  those  States,  from 
whose  citizens  the  larger  part  of  the  revenue  will  be  raised, 
because  of  their  capacity  to  write,  object  to  this  reduction,  as 
it  seconds  their  policy.  According  to  Dr.  Isaac  Watts  and 
other  good  authorities,  nothing  confirms  the  acquirements  of 
the  stident  and  contributes  to  his  improvement  so  much  as 
6  frequent  and  accurate  composition.' 5: 

Mr.  Genin  had  ceased  to  be  young  when  the  railroad  inter 
est  appeared  in  the  community  where  he  lived.  It  would 
have  been  natural  for  one  of  advanced  years  to  take  a  con 
scientious  view  of  the  policy,  and  either  appear  or  remain 
silent  in  regard  to  the  enterprise.  On  the  contrary,  he  threw 
himself  with  his  constitutional  vigor  into  this  new  arid  better 
method  of  developing  the  resources  of  the  country.  And  not 
only  did  he  advocate  the  building  of  railroads,  but  he  bent  his 
energies  to  the  task  of  comprehending  the  principles  on  which 
they  should  be  built.  He  wrote  of  railroads,  not  only  on  the 
score  of  their  utility,  but  also  in  reference  to  topographical 
conditions  of  their  construction.  He  also  saw  at  what  points 
railroads  should  touch;  where  they  should  find  termini. 
The  course  of  valleys,  the  height  of  hills,  the  practicability 
of  bridging  rivers,  the  natural  centres  of  trade — all  these 
things  are  discussed  in  a  series  of  articles  in  the  Belmont 
Chronicle,  entitled  "  Railroad  to  Wheeling." 

As  illustrative  of  his  proclivity  to  master  the  science  as 
well  as  the  financial  importance  of  public  enterprises,  the  fol- 


BIOGEAPHICAL   SKETCH.  55 

lowing  essay  entitled  "  A  Word  on  Railroads,"  is  worthy  of 
an  insertion  in  this  connection : 

"  Railroads  are  most  cheap,  permanent,  and  easily  kept  in 
repair,  when  made  on  dividing  ridges.  Cheap,  because  the 
earth  to  be  removed  is  thrown  downward,  and  immense  quan 
tities  of  it  may  be  removed  at  less  expense  than  the  making 
of  a  few  feet  of  bridge  in  creek  bottoms,  near  the  mouths  of 
the  numerous  small  rivulets,  that  fall  into  the  creeks  on  either 
side.  Permanent,  because  exempt  from  the  action  of  great 
accumulations  of  water,  which  at  times,  covers  the  bottoms, 
or  sweep  down  the  ravines,  and  are  easily  kept  in  repair ;  be 
cause  the  great  changer  of  the  earth's  surface,  the  rain,  has 
power  to  do  mischief  according  to  the  square  of  the  distance 
from  the  top  of  the  ridge.  As  one  looks  from  the  top  of  a 
dividing  ridge,  to  the  right  and  left,  he  sees  the  earth  torn  out 
or  gullied,  deeper  and  deeper,  in  exact  proportion  to  the  rain 
drops,  concentrating  into  masses,  acquired  the  strength  of 
union — at  first  moderately  indenting  the  soft  earth,  but, 
farther  down,  breaking  through  the  rocky  strata,  and  forming 
lofty  precipices.  Thus  nature  certifies  as  to  where  a  railroad 
may  be  most  advantageously  made.  Ridge  routes  may  be 
shortened,  from  the  ease  with  which,  hills  may  be  thrown  into 
hollows ;  and  the  road,  when  done,  is  really  done,  and  is  not 
to  be  rebuilt  after  every  flood.  Even  if  it  cost  more  at  first  it 
will  prove  cheapest  in  the  end  ;  but  it  will  be  found  cheapest 
both  first  and  last. 

"  Had  I  not  seen  how  difficult  it  was  for  some  road  makers 
to  comprehend  that  the  handle  of  a  bucket  is  no  longer  when 
lying  down  on  the  side  of  the  bucket,  than  when  standing 
over  it,  I  should  not  have  thought  I  could  throw  any  light 
upon  this  subject.  The  locators  of  the  national  turnpike  do 
not  seem  to  have  understood  this  problem  of  the  bucket 
handle,  more  than  King  George  comprehended  how  the  apple 
got  into  the  dumpling ;  a  sad  memorial  of  this  exists  about  one 
mile  east  of  St.  Clairsville,  known  as  the  hill  of  accidents.  I 
last  week,  at  the  request  of  the.  driver,  with  all  others  in  the 
stage,  got  out  and  walked  down  the  hill  in  the  night,  in  a 


56  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENE*. 

snow  storm,  reflecting  that  a  similar  curve  extended  sideways 
to  the  right,  would  have  saved  us  the  trouble,  and  that  possi 
bly  the  Lord  sent  the  ground,  but  the  devil  the  engineer,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  victuals  and  the  cooks." 

Mr.  Genin's  practical  interest  in  agriculture  is  evinced  in 
the  elaborate  addresses  he  gave  on  the  subject,  which,  for 
most  part,  are  presented  in  this  volume.  They  evince  original 
thought,  and  have  durable  merit. 

His  essays  "  On  the  Preservation  of  Morals  and  Causes  of 
their  Decline,"  published  in  the  Wheeling  Gazette,  in  1821, 
are  also  included  in  the  present  compilation. 

Mr.  Genin  had  what  is  often  called  a  "literary  turn."  It 
was  a  necessity  with  him  to  write.  Had  there  been  no  such 
art  as  that  of  writing,  it  would  seem  that  he  must  have  in 
vented  it.  His  tendencies  required  such  a  vehicle  of  thought, 
such  a  method  of  communication.  In  early  youth,  as  his  ora 
tion  before  the  "Union  Humane  Society"  in  1818  shows,  he 
had  the  faults  of  that  gift  or  necessity.  The  rhetoric  is  stilted, 
declamatory,  and  not  a  few  of  the  sentences  are  over- wrought. 
This,  as  the  other  papers  evince,  he  rapidly  outgrew,  and  his 
style  losing  nothing  in  force  became  more  natural.  He  is 
always  quaint.  He  is  never  feeble.  He  never  wants  for  epi 
thets.  Comparisons  came  at  his  call.  He  is  sarcastic,  vehe 
ment,  searching.  He  never  palters  in  a  double  sense.  Am 
biguity  is  at  the  furthest  remote  from  being  among  his  faults. 
He  had  genius,  and  of  course,  the  oddities  which  always  ac 
company  genius.  He  was  in  a  marked  degree  of  eminence, 
an  Original  Man. 


Of  the  poetical  works  reprinted  in  this  volume  something 
must  be  said.  Particularly  in  regard  to  the  greater  poem, 
"The  Napolead,  in  Twelve  Books,"  an  interesting  history 
might  be  written.  In  a  prosaic  age,  almost  entirely  given  to 
utilitarian  pursuits,  and  in  the  least  noble  sense  of  the  word 
utilitarian,  the  attempt  to  write  an  epic  seems  a  piece  of 


BIOGEAPHICAL    SKETCH.  5? 

audacity.  The  immediate  impulse  is  to  sneer  at  such  insane 
presumption,  and  gibbet  the  adventurer  without  the  form  of 
accusation  trial  or  sentence.  And  here  we  feel  the  necessity 
of  rescuing  our  author  from  the  contempt  a  majority  of  read 
ers  will  be  inclined  to  bestow  upon  him,  and  this  prior  to  all 
examination,  of  the  merits  or  demerits  of  the  "Napolead,"  by 
bringing  before  them  at  once,  a  statement  which  will  be  an 
assurance  that  such  rash  judgment  is  not  safe. 

John  Quincy  Adams  read  the  "JSTapolead,"  and  was  so  af 
fected  by  it,  that  he  wrote  the  author  a  letter  of  thanks  as  a 
matter  of  duty.  De  Witt  Clinton  gave  it  strong  expressions 
of  approbation.  Henry  Clay  wrote  the  author  a  favorable 
judgment.  The  details  will  be  given  presently,  but  we 
feel  the  necessity  of  thrusting  the  names  of  those  witnesses  at 
once  upon  the  reader's  attention.  John  Quincy  Adams  was 
himself  a  poet;  he  was  a  master  in  the  realms  of  literature 
and  belles-lettres ;  he  was  a  judge  of  the  merits  even  of  epic 
poetry.  He  may  have  over-estimated  the  "  Napolead,"  or  he 
may  not.  Surely,  whatever  its  imperfections,  it  must  have 
had  extraordinary  merits  to  have  taken  so  much  of  the  pre 
cious  time  of  that  veteran  scholar,  and  move  him  to  put  his 
name  to  a  letter  of  approbation.  We  cannot  err,  therefore, 
in  assuring  ourselves  of  the  reader's  respectful  attention, 
while  we  give  a  condensed  history  of  a  poem  which  was  ex 
traordinary  in  its  pretentious,  and  to  which  its  author  fully 
believed  time,  which  proves  all  things,  would  at  last  give  the 
infallible  signet  of  approbation. 

On  examining  a  bundle  of  documents  relating  to  this  poem, 
we  find  that  proposals  for  publishing  it  by  subscription  were 
issued  at  the  city  of  'New  York,  on  20th  November,  1815. 
The  Columbian  of  llth  January,  1816,  edited  by  Wm.  B. 
Irwin,  the  Evening  Post  by  Coleman,  and  Commercial  Adver 
tiser  by  Stone,  of  the  same  month,  contain  extracts  from  dif 
ferent  Cantos  of  the  Poem  without  comment. 

On  the  14th  January,  1816,  the  New  York  National  Advo 
cate,  edited  by  Andrew  Caldwell  Mitchell,  has  a  notice  of  the 
poem,  in  which  it  says:  "It  is  impossible  to  give  a  correct 


58  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

opinion  of  a  whole  work  of  which  we  have  only  seen  a  part ; 
of  that  which  we  have  seen,  however,  we  feel  no  hesitation  to 
speak ;  and  our  opinion  is  decidedly  in  favor  of  its  merit. 
There  appears  a  vast  deal  of  poetic  fancy,  and  imagery,  which 
declares  the  author  to  possess  that  genius  which  ca-i  alone 
excel  in  this  branch  of  literature"  "  The  following  is  an  ex 
tract  from  the  book  we  have  seen  (the  6th),  and  the  reader  will 
perceive  the  fanciful  and  poetic  arrangement  of  the  author. 
He  has  chosen  Homer  as  his  model ;  and  throughout  he  per 
sonifies  and  gives  corporeal  agency  to  the  passions,  the  attri 
butes,  the  motives,  and  even  the  seasons  when  introduced." 
The  same  was  endorsed  by  the  Long  Island  Star,  January  31, 
1816,  edited  by  Aldeii  Spooner,  who  publishes  the  same  ex 
tract.  On  the  24th  of  June,  1816,  the  National  Advocate 
contains  a  more  extended  notice  of  the  work,  stating  that  the 
author  maintains  throughout  his  machinery  one  chain  of  rea 
soning,  showing  the  secret  hand  of  Deity  directing  all  events  by 
a  variety  of  agents ;  and  adds :  "  while  we  do  not  announce 
this  as  a  faultless  production,  we  feel  a  pride  and  pleasure  in 
recommending  it  as  one  of  considerable  merit,  doing  honor  to 
the  genius  of  our  country,  and  well  deserving  of  encourage 
ment." 

Extracts  from  the  poem  were  published  in  several  successive 
issues  of  the  paper.  For  that  of  July  3, 1816,  is  the  following 
deprecatory  notice  from  the  Albany  Advertiser,  edited  by 
Theodore  D  wight,  a  Federalist. 

"  A  new  epic  poem,  in  twelve  cantos,  called  the  Napolead, 
by  a  native  genius,  is  announced  in  the  New  York  National 
Advocate,  as  ready  for  the  press.  If  his  cantos  are  only  of  a 
moderate  length,  the  author  must  work  quick  if  he  has  already 
made  up  a  poem  worth  the  trouble  of  publication.  In  old 
times  it  used  to  be  a  serious  job  to  make  a  poem.  "We  mean 
when  such  men  as  Milton  and  Dry  den  and  Pope  wrote." 

"  The  foregoing  remarks,"  said  the  Advocate,  "  are  from  the 
dapper  pen  of  Domine  Dwight,  ex-Secretary  of  the  Hartford 
Convention.  That  he  should  be  the  first  to  throw  a  stone  at 
a  performance  as  yet  novel  in  America,  was  perfectly  in 
character.  We  would  rebuke  his  editorial  sarcasm  rather 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  59 

from  the  anti- American  feeling  it  displays,  and  the  prejudices 
it  harbors,  than  from  any  motive  of  reflecting  merit  on  the 
Napolead,  which,  although  far  from  faultless  in  its  present 
state,  still,  contains  more  beauties,  more  management,  and 
more  poetic  fancy  than  we  have  before  met  with  in  the  genius 
of  America^  when  directed  to  the  arrangement  of  an  epic 
poem.  'By  a  native  genius?'  This  is  enough  to  awaken 
his  ire.  Heavens !  can  any  man  write  an  epic  poem  on  this 
side  of  the  Atlantic  who  was  not  born,  bred  and  educated  in 
the  land  of  the  Lord's  anointed  ?  No,  this  would  be  a  crime 
against  doctrine  and  creed,"  etc.  To  this  Mr.  Dwight  rejoins : 

"  By  some  strange  fatality  we  are  peculiarly  unfortunate  in 
all  our  intercourse  with  the  enlightened  editor  of  the  National 
Advocate.  We  used  the  words  '  by  a  native  genius '  to  ex 
press  our  gratification  that  the  work  was  not  foreign.  We  are 
very  friendly  indeed  to  native  genius.  We  hope  soon  to  see 
the  epic,  and  promise  to  be  pleased  with  it,  if  it  is  a  good 
one." 

Dr.  Samuel  L.  Mitchell,  December,  1815,  endorses  on  the 
first  canto,  that,  "  This  composition  evinces  respectable  powers 
of  mind,  and  a  promising  talent  for  versification.  The  rule 
among  the  critics  is,  that  there  should  be  unity  of  action,  and 
a  fortunate  issue.  It  does  not  instantly  appear  how  these  two 
requisites  will  be  embraced  in  the  poem.  The  personifications 
of  Philanthropy,  Policy  and  Intrigue  are  perhaps  the  best 
parts  of  the  first  book." 

Gales  &  Seaton  wrote :  "  From  the  cursory  examination  we 
have  given  the  work,  we  think  it  possesses  merit." 

The  foregoing  are  notices  of  the  poem  while  in  manuscript. 
In  the  fall  of  1833  it  was  printed.  No  bookseller  was  inter 
ested  in  it.  A  few  copies  were  sent  to  individuals  of  distinction 
in  politics  or  letters.  Henry  Clay  writes,  April  21,  1835,  that 
"  he  had  received  a  copy  about  a  year  previous,  and  hopes  to 
be  excused  for  the  omission  to  make  in  proper  time  his  ac 
knowledgments  for  the  author's  friendly  attention  and  for  the 
pleasure  derived  from  the  perusal  of  the  poem." 

John  Q.  Adams  writes  a  characteristic  letter,  which  we  give 
without  abridgment : 


60  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

"WASHINGTON,  9th  May,  1835. 
"THOMAS  H.  GENIN,  ESQ.,  St.  Clainnrffle,  Ohio. 

"  SIK, — The  receipt  of  your  poem,  the  Napolead,  ought  to 
have  been  acknowledged  many  months  since.  My  thanks  for 
your  kindness  in  sending  it  to  me  should  have  accompanied 
the  acknowledgment,  and  the  merit  of  the  work  was  entitled 
to  a  testimonial  from  me,  which  should  not  have  'been  withheld. 
Perhaps  a  prejudice  against  the  subject  of  it  has  contributed 
to  the  delay,  which  I  cannot  undertake  to  justify.  Please  to 
accept  my  grateful  thanks  now,  and  believe  me  to  be,  very  re 
spectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"J.  Q.  ADAMS." 

"  I  forward  with  this  a  copy  (bound)  of  an  Oration  upon 
the  Life  and  Character  of  Lafayette,  of  which  I  request  your 
acceptance." 

On  the  22d  October,  1834,  the  Washington  National  In 
telligencer  contained  a  column  and  more  of  extracts  from  the 
poem,  with  the  suggestion  that  "  the  question  whether  Southey, 
Cowper  or  Milton  would  have  managed  the  subject  better  than 
Mr.  Genin,  could  be  answered  forty  years  hence  with  more 
certainty  than  now." 

By  comparing  dates,  one  may  reasonably  suspect  this  notice 
induced  Messrs.  Clay  and  Adams  to  read  the  poem. 

Mr.  John  Duffie,  editor  of  the  Journal  and  Enquirer,  of 
St.  Clairsville,  in  the  fall  of  1834,  rebuked  Adam  Waldie, 
proprietor  of  the  "  Journal  of  Belles-Lettres,"  of  Philadelphia, 
for  misquoting  from  the  Napolead  ;  and  then,  without  point 
ing  out  any  defect,  attempting  to  sneer  at  it  in  five  columns 
of  nonsense.  To  which  Waldie  replies,  that  "  it  argues  little 
judgment  in  Duffie  to  bolster  up  the  attempt  of  Mr.  Genin 
for  the  London  Athenaeum  says  of  the  Napolead : 

" '  The  days  of  epics,  we  suspect,  are  gone  by ;  or  if  they  are 
to  be  charmed  back,  it  is  not  by  Mr.  Genin.  Twelve  books 
of  blank  verse  corresponding  with  Adam  Smith's  definition  of 
blank  verse,  that  which  has  neither  rhyme  nor  reason,  are 
something  beyond  an  ordinary  dose ;  and  we  freely  confess 
that  we  could  only  swallow  but  a  small  part  of  the  same.  The 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  61 

subject  is  too  high  and  vast  a  one  to  be  grasped  by  other  hands 
than  the  strongest.' ' 

To  this  Duffie  rejoins:  " After  this  who  will  doubt  the 
sources  from  whence  Waldie  gets  his  astonishing  powers  of 
discoursing  upon  men  and  books.  Is  it  possible  that  neither 
Homer,  nor  Virgil,  nor  Milton,  nor  Shakespeare,  after  all  we 
have  heard  of  them,  were  men  without  rhyme  or  reason." 

Joseph  R.  Chandler  states  in  his  paper  of  1834,  concerning 
the  Napolead,  substantially^  "  The  genius  of  America  has  at 
length  achieved  an  epic  poem,  but  it  should  have  been  written 
in  rhyme." 

The  New  York  Sunday  Morning  News  of  May  22,  1836, 
contains  a  notice  of  the  work  said  to  have  been  written  by 
James  Nack.  He  says : 

"  The  author  anticipates  in  a  well  written  preface  some  of 
the  objections  that  may  be  urged  against  his  poem ;  but  with 
whatever  ingenuity  these  objections  are  combatted,  we  cannot 
forbear  bringing  them  forward ;  and,  first  of  all,  we  object  to 
the  subject.  The  career  of  Napoleon  is  of  itself  a  magnificent 
romance,  to  which  fiction  can  add  nothing  without  impairing 
the  interest.  But  the  machinery  is  the  most  serious  defect  of 
this  poem,  infusing  into  it  a  narcotic  property.  The  insipid 
ity  of  allegory  has  been  fatal  to  more  celebrated  poets.  All 
the  beauty  and  splendor  of  Spenser's  genius  cannot  prevent  a 
feeling  of  languor  from  stealing  upon  the  reader,  whenever 
personages  are  introduced,  whose  very  names  remind  us  that 
they  have  only  a  figurative  existence.  It  would  have  been 
better  for  Mr.  Genin  to  have  dispensed  with  machinery  alto 
gether.  It  is  no  more  essential  to  constitute  a  modern  epic 
than  a  chorus  to  entitle  Shakspere's  Othello  to  the.  appellation 
of  a  tragedy.  Notwithstanding  the  serious  defect  we  have 
noticed,  it  must  be  allowed  to  contain  many  passages  of  great 
merit ;  and  as  an  instance,  we  quote  the  spirited  and  pictur 
esque  description  of  Murat  leading  to  the  charge." 

Gen.  Lewis  Cass,  writing  to  the  Hon.  Benjamin  Euggles, 
from  Paris,  9th  June,  1841,  says :  "  I  have  read  the  work  of 
Mr.  Genin  with  great  interest,  and  I  think,  considering  the 
difficulty  of  the  subject,  that  he  has  acquitted  himself  of  his 


62  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

task  with  no  little  ability.  Many  of  his  lines  breathe  the  spirit 
of  poetry" 

Professor  IS".  T.  Cunningham  writes,  October  30,  1844,  to 
the  author :  "  I  have  read  your  volume  with  much  pleasure, 
also  with  instruction.  Want  of  time  forbids  my  noticing  par 
ticular  passages,  especially  where  I  "find  so  much  to  admire : 
though  I  think  I  was  most  pleased  with  the  sixth  canto,  in 
part,  owing  to  the  excitement  of  the  subject ;  but  principally 
to  the  eloquent  and  masterly  manner  in  which  those  thrilling 
scenes  are  depicted.  It  has  been  said,  with  some  justness, 
that  imagination  could  add  nothing  to  the  romance  of  Napo 
leon's  career ;  but  I  think  that  you,  without  any  attempt  at 
exaggeration,  or  straining  after  effect,  have  succeeded  in 
throwing  around  his  history  an  additional  charm  and  interest." 

The  New  York  Dispatch,  of  February  T,  1858,  contains 
comparisons  of  descriptions  of  similar  matters  in  the  Iliad, 
Paradise  Lost  and  Napolead  to  show  the  manner  in  which 
different  authors  use  the  same  idea  as  to  duty  of  station — the 
scales  of  fate — and  gigantic  stature,  conceding  that  as  the 
same  nature  is  attempted  to  be  described  by  all  the  poets, 
there  would  be  resemblances  of  description  though  each  were 
ignorant  of  the  other's  works. 

"  The  Yast  may,  or  may  not  be  sublime,  according  to  the 
capacity  of  the  reader.  If  it  elevates  and  refreshes  the  mind 
without  causing  an  emotion  of  the  ridiculous,  it  generally 
approaches  the  grand  or  sublime.  A  man  may  be  sublime  in 
action  or  sentiment ;  but  the  vast  in  stature  must  be  of  ideal 
beings.  To  be  efficiently  sublime,  the  idea  should  be  easily 
comprehended.  Homer  says  Olympus  was  shaken  by  the  nod 
of  Jupiter.  This  impresses  most  readers  more  forcibly  than 
the  idea  of  immensity  being  moved,  notwithstanding  the  in 
finitely  superior  vastness  of  the  effect  of  the  deity's  motion." 

On  the  19th  of  September,  1860,  the  Eev.  J.  M.  Hedges 
writes  from  Herkimer,  N.  Y. :  "I  have  seen  in  the  New  York 
Mercury  some  fine  extracts  from  the  Napolead ;  by  which 
some  critic  has  called  attention  to  some  passages  of  sublimity 
found  in  that  poem — which  gratifies  me,  as  a  proof,  that  it 
has,  what  Milton  desired  for  his  poem,  <  a  fit  audience,  though 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH.  63 

few,'  of  appreciative  and  admiring  readers.  I  did  not  pre 
serve  the  number  from  which  I  cut  out  this  enclosed  criti 
cism  ;  I  think  it  was  dated  some  time  in  October,  1859." 

From  the  Mercury:  "We  take  great  pleasure  in  laying 
before  our  gossipers  a  communication  from  a  gentleman  styl 
ing  himself  '  Z.'  He  is  evidently  a  scholar  of  quick  discern 
ment,  and  fully  able  to  appreciate  the  sublime  in  poetry." 

"  '  On  reading  the  poets  I  have  sometimes  underscored  lines 
that  appeared  to  me  sublime  in  sentiment  or  in  description, 
or  particularly  beautiful  with  a  curve,  serpentine  or  straight 
line,  to  distinguish  each  kind.  On  looking  back  through  the 
pages  read  in  past  years,  I  find  the  mark  denoting  the  sublime 
in  sentiment  far  less  frequent  than  the  others.  Notwithstand 
ing  a  supposed  mental  servility  to  English  literature,  an  Ameri 
can  poem,  which  I  read  some  twenty-five  years  ago,  contains 
more  marked  passages  of  this  description  than  others  of  con 
siderable  celebrity.  My  attention  was  called  to  it  by  Joseph 
R.  Chandler,  of  Philadelphia,  who  stated  in  his  newspaper 
notice  of  the  Napolead,  that  the  genius  of  this  country  had  at 
length  achieved  an  epic  poem.  Learning  too  that  it  was 
written  in  Wall  Street  by  a  New  Yorker,  I  felt  the  more 
inclined  to  look  into  it,  and  on  doing  so,  was  thankful  to  Mr. 
Chandler  for  his  hint.'  " 

We  add  a  few  remarks  on  the  foregoing  notices  of  the 
poem. 

The  history  of  literature  shows  that  the  world  has  been 
slow  in  coming  to  an  agreement  on  the  merit  of  epic  poems. 
The  unlucky  judgments  passed  on  them  in  former  times  and 
reversed  by  posterity,  have  made  the  more  capable  critics  un 
willing  to  express  opinions,  and  the  incapable  to  sneer  with 
out  pointing  out  beauties  or  defects,  as  dogs  bark  at  the  moon. 
Some  prefer  to  let  the  poem  speak  for  itself  by  extracts  ;  oth 
ers,  while  they  praise  very  justly,  claim  it  is  not  faultless — 
and  recognize  again  the  impossibility  of  perfection. 

The  subject  and  the  machinery  are  objected  to  by  Mr. 
Nack.  Still  Dr.  Mitchell  thinks  the.  personifications  of  Philan 
thropy,  Policy  and  Intrigue  are,  perhaps,  the  best  parts  of  the 
first  book.  Possibly  as  he  was  an  M.  D.  as  well  as  an  LL.  D., 


64:  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

he  took  a  utilitarian  view  of  the  machinery,  as  adding  to  the 
materia  medica  a  useful  narcotic. 

The  subject  of  the  poem  seems  to  be  an  object  of  general 
distrust.  It  is  thought  too  vast,  and  the  poem  likely  to  fail 
in  those  matters  of  which  statesmen  take  cognizance.  But  a 
work  that  gave  Henry  Clay  pleasure  in  the  perusal ;  that  De- 
Witt  Clinton  averred  bore  the  stamp  of  immortality ;  that 
John  Q.  Adams  writes  of  as  possessing  merit  which  entitled 
it  to  a  testimonial  from  him,  that  should  not  have  been  with 
held — a  merit  discerned  in  spite  of  his  admitted  prejudice 
against  the  subject ;  that  Gales  &  Seaton  considered  meri 
torious  ;  that  Professor  Cunningham  approved  for  good  rea 
sons  assigned ;  that  J.  R.  Chandler  pronounced  a  success  in 
epic  poetry ;  that  Lewis  Cass  read  with  great  interest,  and 
thought,  considering  the  difficulty  of  the  subject,  evinced  great 
ability  in  the  author,  —  such  a  work  cannot  be  supposed  to 
have  materially  fallen  short  in  the  intelligence  in  which  these 
men  were  so  distinguished.  E~o  subject  of  any  book  has  yet 
been  exhausted.  The  most  one  can  do  is  to  treat  a  subject 
well  as  far  as  it  is  discussed.  Neither  the  London  Atkenceum, 
nor  the  other  commentators  on  this  poem  have  pointed  out 
any  mismanagement  of,  or  failure  to  treat  the  subject  prop 
erly.  They  seem  to  see  in  it  a  mountain  they  will  not  ven 
ture  to  ascend  ;  and,  therefore,  deem  it  presumption  in  others 
to  attempt  the  ascent. 

The  subject  of  the  poem  is  "  vast ;"  but,  as  far  as  explored, 
from  the  above  testimony,  it  has  probably  been  well  treated. 
The  author  could  not  furnish  brains  as  well  as  ideas,  nor  taste 
for  the  grand  and  sublime  to  minds  of  no  affinity  for  such 
things  ;  which  the  Editor  of  the  London  Athenceum  supposes 
possible  to  be  done  by  a  poet  of  great  genius,  when  he  speaks 
of  "  charming  back  an  epic  age."  We  would  like  to  know 
when  such  an  age  existed  ?  It  was  not.  when  Homer  was  so 
little  heeded  that  seven  cities  disputed  as  to  which  of  them 
he  appertained.  It  was  not  in  Tasso's  or  Milton's  time.  Al 
though  such  writers  animate  the  literature  of  long  periods, 
they  have  been  slow  in  coming  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
masses.  There  has  been,  and  will  be  in  any  age,  but  few  who 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH.  65 

take  great  delight  in  their  majestic  march  of  thought  and 
expression.  These  few  will  shape  the  judgment  of  the  many ; 
though  they  cannot  impart  to  them  the  mind  needed  to  feel 
and  enjoy  the  dignity  and  beauty  of  epic  poetry.  Hence 
there  are  many  who  own  and  praise  Paradise  Lost  without 
reading  much  of  it. 

It  is  the  style  and  spirit  of  a  poem  that  make  it  interest 
ing  ;  not  its  fortunate  or  unfortunate  issue,  nor  its  structure 
with  machinery  or  without  it.  In  illustration  of  this,  we 
might  refer  to  two  translations  of  the  Iliad.  The  unity  of 
action  and  successful  termination  is  the  same  in  both ;  but 
the  tame  and  spiritless  one  is  neglected,  while  that  of  the  most 
spirit  and  beauty  of  style  is  eagerly  sought.  An  epic  poem  is 
not  expected  to  be  a  treatise  on  politics,  strategy  or  tactics  ; 
but  it  should  be  correct  on  all  matters  of  which  it  incident 
ally  treats. 

The  machinery  in  the  JSTapolead  might  be  abridged  in  some 
parts  of  the  work.  Its  action  in  the  Sixth  Canto  is  too  long  ; 
but  to  dispense  with  it  altogether  is  not  desirable.  It  adds  to 
the  vivacity  of  expression,  instead  of  enumerating  the  reasons 
that  lead  to  a  wise  or  prudent  conclusion,  and  stating  the 
objections  thereto,  suggested  by  Pride  or  Vanity,  these  prin 
ciples  are  given  tongue,  grace  of  form  and  action,  and  make 
speeches  in  support  of  their  respective  views.  It  is  probably 
not  more  metaphysical  than  was  originally  the  theogony  of 
the  Greeks,  Mars  representing  the  principle  of  War,  Yenus  of 
Love,  Minerva  of  Wisdom,  etc. 

The  Chevalier  Ramsay  claims  to  have  discovered  a  resem 
blance  in  all  the  mythologies  of  the  nations  bordering  on  the 
Mediterranean  Sea,  growing  out  of  the  nature  of  things.  All 
have  a  supreme,  a  middle  or  atoning  power,  and  a  good  prin 
ciple  opposed  to  the  principle  of  evil.  The  author  of  the  !N"a- 
polead  calls  the  principles  by  names  significant  of  their  na 
ture  ;  not  confining  himself  to  one  or  another  mythology  for 
names.  He  designates  the  Supreme  God  by  the  appellations 
of  Jove,  Jehovah,  Lord  of  Nature,  Almighty  :  so  Mars,  War, 
Discord,  are  used  as  synonymous  words.  The  prosopopoeia  is 
in  frequent  use.  While  it  is  conceded  that  the  reader's  knowl- 
5 


66  THOMAS   HEDGES    GENEN. 

edge  of  the  physical  non-existence  of  the  speaker  or  actor  less 
ens  his  pleasure,  it  may  be  claimed  that  his  pleasure  would  be 
still  less  without  the  vivacity  of  the  oratorical  manner  of  state 
ment.  The  half  loaf  may  be  worth  acceptance,  since  beings 
more  real  for  machinery  cannot  now  be  had. 

The  writer  in  the  'New  York  Dispatch  seems,  in  effect,  to 
yield  the  palm  of  sublimity  to  the  ISTapolead  touching  the  nod 
of  Jupiter  ;  but  offers  a  rule  for  its  efficiency  that  would  de 
grade  the  epic  Muse.  He  says  it  must  be  easily  compre 
hended  to  be  efficient.  Cotton  might  well  have  offered  this 
argument  in  justification,  of  his  travestie  of  the  Iliad.  It  is 
better  to  raise  mortals  than  bring  down  angels  to  their  level ; 
but  when  it  can  be  done  without  sacrifice  of  dignity,  an  author 

"  Should  let  his  words  so  well  be  plann'd 
That  blockheads  can't  misunderstand." 

It  is  an  amusing  conceit  that  the  sublime  depends  not  on 
its  intrinsic  merit  or  quality ;  but  on  the  capacity  of  the 
reader.  A  volcano  can  shake  a  mountain ;  but  the  Deity 
alone  can  move  immensity.  In  the  Napolead  the  weighing 
of  the  destinies  seems  to  be  a  mental  operation.  In  Paradise 
Lost  it  is  stated  that  the  scales  are  yet  on  hand  "  betwixt 
astrea  and  the  scorpion  sign,"  and  the  work  was  accomplished 
by  such  physical  appliances  that  Satan  saw  the  operation,  and 
fled  murmuring.  The  party  vanquished  in  the  struggle  has 
the  lightest  scale  in  the  Napolead  and  Paradise  Lost,  and  the 
heaviest  in  the  Iliad. 

The  plain  sense  of  the  Napolead  is  "  that  the  Deity  heard 
the  prayer  of  Alexander,  and  considered  the  respective  merit 
of  France  and  Russia,  and  found  that  the  merit  of  Russia  was 
greatest,  and  rendered  judgment  accordingly."  The  scales  is 
a  mere  figure  of  speech  to  describe  the  mental  operation. 
Which  writer  has  used  it  most  aptly  or  awkwardly  we  will 
not  undertake  to  decide.  Homer  describes  the  article  as  gol 
den,  Milton  as  composed  of  material  globes,  Genin  as  consist 
ing  of  consideration.  Jove  could  have  decided  quite  as  well 
without  the  gold,  or  the  globes  ;  but  consideration  was  indis 
pensable. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  67 

An  author  may  be  glad  to  see  his  work  condemned  by  per 
sons  of  small  capacity,  as  it  shows  the  work  is  above  the  level 
of  their  minds  ;  particularly  if  the  same  work  is  commended 
by  such  men  as  DeWitt  Clinton,  J.  Q.  Adams,  Lewis  Cass, 
and  others  above-quoted. 

In  1816  the  Federalists  were  abusive  and  the  Democrats 
eulogistic  of  Napoleon.  Hence,  probably,  the  former  pub 
lished  extracts  from  the  poem  without  comment,  the  latter 
commented  and  approved.  It  may  be  inferred  that  the  Fed 
eral  Editors  saw  something  of  merit  in  the  poem,  which  re 
strained  their  partisan  action  against  its  hero.  Of  the  extracts 
given  by  the  Editors  only  two  lines  are  repeated,  showing  that 
interesting  passages  are  not  scarce.  When  carpers  give  no 
reasons,  we  infer  they  have  none  to  give. 

The  London  Athenaeum  refutes  itself ;  has  "  swallowed  but 
a  small  part"  and  assigns  no  error  as  to  that  part ;  but  in  his 
thoughtlessness  the  Editor  runs  foul  of  Shakespeare,  Milton, 
and  others.  Though  all  the  greater  epic  poets  have  nourished 
in  spite  of  discouragements,  he  suspects  the  days  of  epics  have 
gone  by,  as  if  there  had  ever  been  a  time  when  they  were  gen 
erally  patronized. 

The  writer  in  the  National  Intelligencer,  without  deciding 
that  the  subject  is  impracticable,  suggests  that  the  question, 
whether  it  could  have  been  managed  better  by  Southey,  Cow- 
per  or  Milton,  than  by  Genin,  could  be  answered  forty  years 
hence  with  more  certainty  than  now — and  giving  no  opinion, 
furnishes  extracts,  that  the  poem  may  speak  for  itself. 

May  we  infer  from  this  that  he  doubted  whether  those 
poets  could  have  managed  the  subject  better  than  Genin  ? 

The  subject  affords  thought  for  many  volumes  ;  but  Genin 
has  not  seen  fit  to  discuss  it  beyond  one  volume ;  and  it  should 
not  be  expected  that  he  would  accomplish  more  than  he  in 
tended. 

In  his  biography  of  his  son,  Sylvester — the  lawyer  and  artist 
— he  publishes  one  of  his  own  letters,  addressed  to  the  son,  in 
the  course  of  which  is  a  characteristic  allusion  to  the  "!N"a- 
polead."  He  was  always  conscious  of  the  seeming  presump 
tion  of  venturing  upon  so  ambitious  a  literary  enterprise.  Hence 


68  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

lie  had  no  vanity  in  regard  to  it — no  conceit.  He  was  con 
scious,  in  a  judicial  way,  that  the  poem  had  merit,  and  he 
would  not  undervalue  his  own  abilities  by  any  affectation  of 
delicacy.  This  appears  in  the  following  extract  from  the  let 
ter  alluded  to : 

"  I  would  not  advise  one  to  attempt  an  epic  poem,  or  even  to 
cultivate  poetry  beyond  a  portion  of  one's  leisure,  yet  I  would 
not  annihilate  what  I  have  done  in  poetry,  or  abandon  its 
enjoyment,  for  any  pecuniary  consideration.  I  should  dislike 
the  responsibility  of  advising  one  to  a  course,  in  which  the 
chances  of  failure  so  far  outnumber  the  chances  of  success : 
and  in  which  success  itself  is  scarce  discoverable,  except  by  pos 
terity.  The  same  feeling  makes  one  distrust  his  own  judgment, 
when  he  views  what  seems  excellencies  in  the  higher  efforts 
of  literature  and  the  arts,  if  made  by  a  contemporary  as  to 
whose  merits  the  world  has  not  yet  agreed.  I  do  not  recol 
lect  of  any  one  speaking  otherwise  than  discouragingly  to  me 
of  the  i  Napolead,'  except  De  Witt  Clinton  and  Dr.  Samuel 
L.  Mitchell,  who  at  the  same  time  cautioned  me  against  ex 
pecting  any  temporal  advantages  from  it.  My  literary  friends, 
of  less  capacity,  while  they  professed  to  admire  my  short  pieces, 
could  see  nothing  but  presumption  in  my  attempting  an  epic. 
This  is  so  natural  that  I  am  surprised  to  have  found  an  exception, 
or  a  Clinton  ;  for  I  am  not  sure  but  he  determined  the  opinion 
of  Dr.  Mitchell." 

With  this  literary  history  of  the  poem  we  leave  the  Napolead 
with  the  reader. 

Of  the  other  poems  in  this  volume,  all  save  "  The  Fatal 
Disunion,"  "  A  JSTew  Year's  Address,"  and  "  To  the  Flag  of  our 
Union,"  appear  in  print  for  the  first  time.  They  are  formed 
on  the  plan  of  the  older  poets.  The  author's  taste  had  been 
formed  by  the  reading  of  Dry  den,  Pope,  and  Thomson,  before 
the  advent  of  Tennyson,  and  most  of  the  American  poets. 
The  manuscript  betrays  great  care  in  composing ;  the  inter 
lineations  and  alterations  are  numerous — showing  that  in  their 
present  form  they  are  matured  products,  not  spontaneous  ut- 


BIOGEAPHIOAL   SKETCH.  69 

terances.  They  exhibit  an  extraordinary  faculty  for  versifica 
tion.  The  rythm  is  near  perfection.  They  are  not  unworthy 
of  the  pen  that  produced  the  great  poem,  which  challenged 
the  admiration  of  John  Quincy  Adams  and  other  literary- 
masters. 

In  regard  more  particularly  to  "  The  Fatal  Disunion,"  we 
must  add,  that  the  approval  of  a  few  literary  masters,  and  the 
sneers  of  others  not  so  well  known  to  fame,  awaited  it.  It  was 
a  production  of  youth,  making  its  appearance  when  the  author 
was  but  twenty  years  old.  It  may  be  well  to  insert  an  article 
in  reference  to  it,  which  appeared  in  the  Olive  Branch  for 
March  24,  1820,  published  in  Circleville,  Ohio,  over  the  signa 
ture  of  "  Alpha,"  with  which  we  shall  leave  the  Poetical  "Works 
to  the  discrimination  and  judgment  of  the  reader : 

"  The  Americans  have  been  accused  by  Europeans  of  being 
devoid  of  poetical  genius,  because  no  poet  equal  to  Homer, 
Yirgil,  or  Milton,  has  appeared  among  us.  Our  libellers  have 
been  ably  answered  by  Jefferson  and  others.  But  it  is  a  mel 
ancholy  fact,  that  we  have  produced  but  few  poets ;  though 
Dwight,  Barlow,  and  Trumbull,  have  sung  in  numbers  as  last 
ing  as  our  language,  and  have  raised  monuments  to  their  fame 
which  will  stand  unimpaired  by  the  ravages  of  time,  until  their 
and  our  slanderers  are  buried  in  oblivion. 

"  But  there  are  substantial  reasons  for  our  producing  so  few 
poets,  founded  on  our  state  of  society.  In  Europe,  rewards 
are  held  out  to  genius,  which  are  wanting  here.  There 
rulers  have  patronized  the  poet,  by  conferring  distinguished 
honors  upon  him ;  by  giving  an  annual  stipend,  ample  enough 
in  many  cases  to  support  him  in  ease,  if  not  in  affluence. 
Critics  there  have  been  men  of  character,  of  high  standing  as 
scholars,  as  men  of  talents,  and  of  virtue.  They  never  suffer 
themselves  to  become  mere  'word  catchers,'  or,  as  Horace 
calls  them,  '  anceps  verborvm?  The  moral  aim  of  the  author 
is  looked  at  in  remarking  on  his  productions.  Such  critics 
never  suffer  themselves  to  descend  to  ribaldry  and  low  abuse. 
Modest  merit  is  not  unceremoniously  trampled  under  foot. 
As  the  eagle  teaches  her  young  to  adventure  on  the  feeble 


70  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

wing,  in  short  essays,  around  the  nest,  so  the  able  critic  teaches 
the  truant  Muse  how  to  soar,  until  rising  aloft  on  its  full- 
grown  wings,  it  is  lost  to  human  sight  in  the  full  effulgence  of 
the  raid-day  sun.  Such  is  the  state  of  things  in  Europe,  which 
have  produced  the  proud  results  we  behold. 

"But  how  changed  is  the  scene  here!  We  have  a  few 
literary  men  who  love  learning  for  her  own  sake,  scattered  over 
a  vast  extent  of  country,  without  patronage  themselves,  with 
out  political  power,  because  they  scorn  to  stoop  to  the  low 
arts  by  which  only  it  can  be  obtained  or  preserved — themselves 
pelted  in  every  dirty  newspaper ;  by  every  low  wretch,  who 
wishes  to  prevent  their  rising  in  the  estimation  of  the  public. 
They  droop  the  wing,  they  cower  beneath  the  frown  of  the 
political  quack,  the  illiterate  ignoramus,  and  the  anonymous 
libeller.  No  sooner  does  some  writer  appear  possessed  of 
genius,  zeal,  literature,  and  science,  than  every  worthless 
creature  who  can  write  his  name,  pounces  upon  him,  in  some 
little  newspaper.  To  contend  with  such  wretches  would  de 
grade  any  decent  man  ;  to  put  up  with  the  abuse  unanswered, 
would  render  him  unpopular  with  the  common  people,  as 
wanting  the  spirit  to  defend  himself.  In  such  a  dilemma,  he 
gives  up  all  thoughts  of  attending  to  literary  pursuits,  and 
turns  to  some  professional  business.  Here  and  there  one,  in 
despite  of  all  that  these  worthless  wretches,  these  self-styled, 
would-be  critics  can  do,  boldy  presses  forward  in  his  literary 
career,  until  a  want  of  patronage,  and  the  urgent  demands 
of  creditors,  compel  him  to  desist  in  his  efforts,  which,  in  a 
different  state  of  society,  might  have  led  him  to  fame  as  well 
as  to  wealth.  Others  again,  though  never  persecuted  by  this 
low  tribe  of  writers,  because  having  no  patron  to  bring  their 
works  before  the  public  eye,  like  the  flowers  in  a  wide  wilder 
ness,  '  are  born  to  blush  unseen,  and  waste  their  sweetness  on 
the  desert  air.' 

"  These  reflections  pressed  themselves  upon  my  mind,  on 
carefully  perusing  the  work  whose  title  stands  at  the  head  of 
this  communication.  Mr.  Genin  is  a  young  man  of  much 
promise,  who  now  resides,  and  for  several  years  past  has  resided 
at  St.  Clairsville  in  this  State." 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  71 

The  personal  peculiarities  of  Thomas  H.  Genin  were  very 
striking.  Socrates  was  "  odd."  In  the  same  sense  he  was 
u  odd."  Men  of  genius  are  usually  eccentric — at  least  they 
seem  so.  Acting  from  themselves,  rather  than  from  what  is 
conventional,  they  impress  with  a  sense  of  oddity  those  whose 
law  is  the  way  "  they"  do  it. 

Mr.  Genin  was  in  his  habits  and  manners  a  law  unto  himself. 
He  was  simply  himself.  He  was  very  hospitable ;  and  his  recep 
tion  of  friends  was  cordial.  He  assumed  that  his  visitors  knew 
this — could  see  it  in  his  manner.  Hence  he  seldom  expressed 
satisfaction  on  receiving  them ;  never  urged  them  to  "  stay 
longer"  when  they  proposed  leaving.  To  ask  a  man  to  stay 
longer  than  he  intended  to  stay,  was  to  know  better  than  that 
Mend  his  own  business  !  It  was  to  ask  him  to  appropriate 
for  the  benefit  of  his  host  time  he  had  need  to  employ  else 
where  !  And  this  was  no  fancy,  no  affectation.  It  was  his 
philosophy ;  and  he  acted  always  from  principle.  But  he  had 
a  way  of  inducing  friends  to  stay  longer,  when  sure  that  in  so 
doing  they  would  make  no  sacrifice.  An  amusing  instance 
may  be  here  related. 

Mr.  John  K  Genin,  of  New  York — so  noted  in  the  Jenny 
Lind  epoch,  and  usually  spoken  of  as  "  Genin,  the  New  York 
Hatter"— was  a  nephew  of  Thomas  H.  Genin.  When  he  vis 
ited  his  uncle  the  satisfaction  of  the  latter  was  expressed  in 
every  way  save  the  formal.  When  he  left,  the  regret  of  the 
uncle  was  unmistakable;  who,  however,  never  so  much  as 
asked  him  not  to  hurry  his  departure.  On  occasion  of  one 
visit,  John  the  nephew  reminded  Mr.  Genin  that  his  large  and 
and  valuable  Cincinnati  property  needed  looking  after;  and 
he  proposed  on  leaving  to  make  a  trip  to  the  Queen  City  and 
attend  to  the  business  suggested.  This  would  add  about  a 
week  to  his  absence  from  his  own  business ;  and  he  proposed 
doing  this. 

"Have  you  time,  John,  to  remain  so  much  longer  from 
home  ?  Can  you  spare  the  extra  week,  to  look  after  my  Cin 
cinnati  interests,  as  well  as  not  ?" 

The  nephew,  presuming  his  proposition  was  to  be  accepted, 


Y2  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENEN. 

promptly  answered,  that  without  any  detriment  to  his  business 
or  other  duties,  he  could  stay  from  home  a  week  longer. 
"Well,  then,"  said  the  uncle,  "stay  here!" 

Mr.  Genin  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  courage.  Like  Nel 
son,  he  never  knew  fear.  In  the  midst  of  danger  he  was  self- 
possessed,  and  could  act  with  judgment.  He  was  known  to 
be  a  man  of  great  property  ;  and  it  was  known  that  he  kept 
large  amounts  of  money  and  other  portable  valuables  in  his 
house.  And  as  his  house  was  away  from  the  village,  alone  by 
itself,  he  was  certainly  in  great  danger  at  the  hands  of  thieves 
and  other  desperate  characters.  Late  in  life,  he  had  no  one 
in  the  house  save  his  housekeeper.  Yet  with  a  full  knowledge 
of  his  dangerous  situation,  he  usually  slept  on  a  ground  floor, 
with  loaded  gun  ready  for  thief,  robber,  or  burglar.  And  the 
situation  did  not  even  affect  his  imagination. 

One  night,  returning  to  his  home,  he  passed  a  grove.  In 
the  grove  he  could  descry  the  forms  of  several  desperate  look 
ing  men,  evidently  seeking  to  conceal  themselves  from  his 
sight,  intending,  no  doubt,  to  spring  upon,  waylay  him,  and 
rob  him.  All  this  flashed  upon  him  at  sight.  With  strange 
coolness  and  presence  of  mind,  he  affected  to  draw  a  concealed 
weapon,  and  hold  it  in  readiness  for  attack !  He  affected  this, 
but  was  in  fact  defenceless.  But  the  ruse  was  successful,  till 
he  got  somewhat  in  advance  of  them.  Then  with  his  utmost 
speed  he  ran  for  his  home.  The  robbers  pursued,  but  were 
not  able  to  overtake  him  till  it  became  too  much  of  a  risk  for 
them  to  continue  the  game.  Entering  his  house,  he  saw  that 
the  robbers  had  been  there.  There  lay  his  housekeeper  on  the 
floor  in  a  state  of  insensibility,  and  bleeding  from  blows  which 
the  desperadoes  had  dealt  her !  They  evidently  supposed  they 
had  killed  her.  But  not  being  able  to  discover  the  valuables, 
they  had  watched  the  return  of  the  proprietor,  probably  ex 
pecting  to  extort  a  disclosure,  and  then  perhaps  act  on  the 
maxim  that  "dead  men  tell  no  tales."  The  housekeeper's 
wounds  happily  did  not  prove  fatal ;  and  on  her  restoration 
she  told  the  tale  of  the  violent  entrance  and  murderous  assault. 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH.  Y3 

The  occasion  was  a  warning  to  Mr.  Genin  to  remove  his  val 
uables  to  a  safer  place  of  deposit ;  and  to  have  other  men  in 
his  house.  But  with  original  tactics,  he  proposed  to  plan  a 
different  sort  of  protection.  He  had  his  bed  moved  to  the 
chamber.  In  the  floor  of  the  chamber  he  had  three  holes  cut, 
and  the  opening  filled  with  loose  pieces  of  board,  which  could 
be  easily  removed.  The  plastering  under  the  holes  was  taken 
away,  and  the  spaces  covered  with  white  paper,  simply  pasted 
on.  Explaining  his  queer  fortification  to  a  friend,  he  said : 

"  Now,  sir,  here  are  my  gun  and  ammunition — in  the  cham 
ber  ready  for  instant  use.  Robbers  must  enter  the  lower  door, 
and  come  up  the  stairway.  That  I  have  so  barricaded  as  to 
require  time  to  force  a  passage.  And  before  they  can  make 
their  entrance,  I  with  my  gun  and  the  three  c  port  holes,'  can 
easily  act  upon  them,  while  they  cannot  act  upon  me.  You 
see,  sir,  I  have  command  of  the  situation !" 

His  coolness,  courage  and  self-control  were  traits  of  charac 
ter  well  known.  He  would  have  defended  his  fortification, 
and  the  "  port  holes"  would  have  been  put  to  use.  In  fact,  he 
was  never  after  disturbed. 

Boys  used  to  infest  his  orchard.  He  cared  little  for  the  loss 
of  property.  He  cared  more  for  the  misdemeanor.  He  thought 
the  orchard  thieves  should  be  taught  better.  One  day  he  took 
a  cord  and  tied  together  the  limbs  of  the  tree  that  was  most 
tempting,  in  such  a  way  that  one  limb  could  not  be  shaken 
without  shaking^  every  limb.  Then  the  cord  was  continued 
to  the  top  of  the  piazza  of  his  house ;  and  then  so  fastened  to 
a  lot  of  tin  pans  and  kettles  that  if  a  single  bough  was  shaken 
the  pans  and  kettles,  with  horrid  sound,  would  fall  to  the  floor 
of  the  piazza.  Night  came,  and  the  orchard  proprietor  retired. 
So  soon  as  every  room  was  dark,  the  thievish  urchins  came  to 
the  choice  tree.  They  shook  a  limb  !  Suddenly  there  arose 
such  a  din  of  horrid  noises  that  the  young  robbers  fled  in  con 
sternation,  so  frightened  that  they  never  suspected  the  nature 
of  the  strategy  that  occasioned  their  terror.  And  as  they  were 
never  informed,  they  never  after  invaded  the  orchard.  They 
would  as  soon  have  entered  a  haunted  house  on  a  dark  night. 


THOMAS    HEDGES   GENLN". 

Mr.  Gen  in  had  a  quiet  humor ;  but  his  way  of  showing  it 
was  peculiar.  His  manner  was  oratorical,  and  his  fun  was 
put  into  phrases  as  stately  as  the  sentences  of  Gibbon.  A 
"  widower  with  money,"  it  was  natural  to  joke  him  to  the 
effect  that  he  was  game  for  the  widows,  who,  if  they  did  not 
love  him,  would  be  tempted  to  try  to  make  him  think  they 
did.  On  a  certain  occasion,  a  friend  rallied  him  on  this  point, 
asking  him  which  he  most  preferred,  the  widow's  smiles  or 
ten  per  cent  on  his  investments. 

"Sir,"  said  he,  "the  ancient  philosopher  has  said  that  up 
to  the  age  of  fifty-five  love  rules  in  the  breast  of  man  ;  after 
the  age  of  fifty-five,  avarice  rules.  Sir,  I  am  more  than 
fifty-five !" 

He  had  a  fancy  for  reading  what  few  men  were  tempted  to 
read.  He  had  a  passion  for  knowledge  out  of  the  beaten 
track.  One  day  a  friend  called  upon  him,  and  found  him  late 
in  the  afternoon  in  his  field,  making  a  few  needed  repairs  on 
the  fence.  When  commended  for  his  industry,  Mr.  Genin 
replied : 

"  I  have  devoted  the  former  part  of  the  day  to  the  reading 
of  Milton  on  Divorce.  Up  to  this  day,  I  have  never  examined 
that  treatise  of  the  English  classic.  Now  I  have  done  so.  I 
have  this  day  read  Milton  on  Divorce." 

The  question,  "  "What  is  the  most  healthy  place  ?"  is  an  an 
cient  one.  It  is  always  being  solved.  Usually  it  is  the  town 
or  village  "  where  I  own  several  lots."  Sometimes  a  more 
unselfish  and  philosophical  explanation  is  given,  such  as  per 
tains  to  climate,  high  ground,  exemption  from  malarious  dis 
tricts,  proximity  to  sea,  lake,  or  river.  At  one  time,  Mr. 
Genin  addressed  himself  to  the  task  of  endeavoring  to  ascer 
tain  "  the  most  healthy  place."  One  is  forced  to  smile  at, 
and  at  the  same  time  admire,  the  peculiar  wisdom  his  plan 
evinced.  It  was  inductive — thoroughly  after  the  canons  of 
Lord  Bacon.  He  made  an  extensive  tour,  visiting,  at  remote 
points,  a  large  number  of  villages.  In  every  place  he  entered 
the  graveyard,  noted  down  the  number  of  deaths .  with  the 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  Y5 

respective  ages  on  the  tombstones,  and  then  struck  the  average 
age  at  which  the  people  died  ! 

Pie  believed  in  the  Shakesperean  maxim,  "  To  thine  own  self 
be  true."  What  he  thought  of  himself,  he  would  say.  In 
writing  of  his  son,  he  alludes  to  the  father  as  "  an  accurate 
lawyer."  This  was  the  simple  truth.  "We  hold  that  it  shows 
moral  courage  for  one  to  be  true  to  himself,  when  the  fashion 
calls  for  self-depreciation.  Mr.  Genin  had  no  faith  in  those 
nominal  Christians  who  are  ever  prating  about  their  great 
sinfulness,  yet  never  give  the  particulars.  He  would  have  a 
man  express  his  honest  thought,  even  though  himself  were 
the  subject. 

That  Mr.  Genin  had  a  passion  for  "  saving  things,"  can  not 
be  regarded  as  another  reason  for  calling  him  peculiar.  Any 
old  garret,  especially  in  farm  houses,  will  attest  that  a  dis 
inclination  to  destroy  things  is  not  uncommon  with  the  race. 
He  had  this  passion  however  in  so  extraordinary  a  degree 
that  it  may  be  set  down  as  a  personal  peculiarity. 

We  will  give  one  example  in  which  we  are  sure  the  reader 
will  see  something  of  the  ludicrous.  Among  the  papers 
placed  in  our  hands  for  the  preparation  of  this  volume,  we 
find  part  of  an  old  newspaper,  from  which  he  had  torn  some 
thing  he  wished  to  use.  What  remained  was  nothing  but  ad 
vertisements  ;  and  a  discolored,  shabby  fragment  it  is.  We 
think  that  "  mankind  in  general "  could  have  brought  them 
selves  to  destroy  that.  We  found  it  carefully  filed  among  Mr. 
Genin's  papers,  and  labled  "  Of  no  use  !  " 

He  was  always  experimenting.  He  had  an  almost  annoy 
ing  propensity  to  test  opinions  and  judgments.  Men  who 
made  a  boast  of  their  wisdom,  he  would  often  humble  by  ex 
pedients  they  could  not  themselves  question.  It  amuses  one 
to  read  in  his  published  letter  to  his  son  :  "I  would  not  in 
spire  a  contempt  for  mankind ;  but  their  boasted  reason  en 
counters  so  many  disturbing  forces,  that  she,  with  difficulty, 
sits  uprightly  on  her  throne.  Envy  and  jealousy  less  often 
disturb  than  weakness  and  pusillanimity.  In  my  youth, 
knowing  the  range  of  the  reading  of  some  literary 


76  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

friends,  I  offered  for  their  opinion  a  few  lines  of  poetry, 
from  an  author  of  established  reputation,  as  if  they  were  my 
own.  They  were  considered  faulty — even  ungrammatical ; 
because  the  judges  did  not  understand  the  application  of 
what  we  style  the  adverbial  adjective,  which  gives  such  force 
and  beauty  to  our  language.  When  I  offered  them  some  lines 
of  my  own,  as  the  composition  of  the  same  author,  they  could 
discover  no  defect,  though  there  actually  was  a  small  one,  pur 
posely  left  for  experiment." 

He  would  not  however  triumph  over  discomfited  critics,  but 
recommend  self-reliance,  and  the  reducing  of  wants.  He 
adds :  "  The  fallibility  of  human  judgment  is  such,  that  it 
should  never  be  allowed  to  elevate  or  depress  the  spirits,  but 
merely  be  used  so  far  as  the  reasons  for  it  have  weight  to 
enlighten  the  understanding.  Follow  nature,  and,  if  human 
opinions  cannot  keep  pace  with  you,  it  is  their,  and  not  your 
misfortune.  One  should  render  himself  .independent  of  pa 
tronage.  It  takes  but  little  to  support,  in  simplicity,  the 
painter,  while  he  executes  immortal  works.  The  real  wants 
of  man  are  easily  supplied.  Riches  consist  less  in  the  num 
ber  of  dollars,  than  the  moderation  of  desire." 

Though  a  man  of  theory,  Mr.  Genin  was,  in  a  marked  de 
gree,  a  practical  man.  He  writes  his  son  Sylvester,  in  a  tone 
which  urges  him  to  act  upon  the  advice  of  a  friend,  and  make 
painting  a  past-time,  and  the  law  a  business.  "  There  is,"  he 
tells  him,  "  probably  no  man,  whatever  his  success  may  have 
been,  that  is  satisfied  with  it,  or  with  the  appreciation  of  him, 
or  his  works,  by  the  world.  Napoleon  was  not.  His  conver 
sations  with  O'Meara,  and  Las  Cases,  are  attempts  to  enlight 
en  mankind  on  this  matter.  Benjamin  West,  it  is  said,  died 
poor.  There  is  a  direct  tendency  to  poverty  in  all  who  pay 
but  little  attention  to  money  after  they  get  it ;  who  adopt  no 
measures  to  make  it  productive,  and  are  deficient  in  economy 
and  management.  Heirs  of  large  estates,  without  cultivating 
painting  or  poetry,  frequently  soon  find  their  patrimony 
evaporated.  Great  lawyers,  notwithstanding  the  lucrativeness 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH.  77 

of  their  profession,  have  often  died  poor ;  for  a  leaky  bucket 
will,  at  length,  be  found  empty.  Judge  Ruggles  has  shown 
to  me  Colonel  TrumbulPs  letter  of  the  13th  Dec.,  inst.,  stating 
that  your  friends  have  not  overrated  your  talents  as  a  painter ; 
but  on  account  of  the  nature  of  our  institutions,  and  the  un 
certainty  of  popular  favor,  he  has  advised  you,  as  his  friends 
advised  him,  to  make  the  study  and  practice  of  law  your  chief 
pursuit,  and  historical  painting  the  amusement  of  your  leisure 


An  example  of  the  practical  turn  of  his  mind  is  evinced  in 
a  record  of  personal  expenses  from  May  to  August,  1815. 
Here  is  a  memorandum  for  each  day — just  what  he  bought 
and  what  he  paid.  In  those  days  the  cost  of  living  was  nom 
inally  much  less  than  now,  yet  it  may  surprise  some  to  learn 
that  for  the  three  months  specified,  the  whole  expense  of  liv 
ing  was  $56— for  rent  $17.12 ;  board,  $20;  clothing,  $18.88. 
This  too  in  the  metropolitan  city !  "We  judge  that  his  income 
began  to  improve,  for  during  the  next  three  months,  his  ex 
penses  rose  from  $56  to  $74.37  1-2.  His  average  board  bill, 
exclusive  of  rent,  was  $1.69  a  week.  He  had  the  manliness 
to  live  within  his  income.  It  is  easy  to  understand  how  he 
became  the  wealthiest  man  in  his  county. 

A  catalogue  of  his  library  of  about  600  volumes,  exhibits 
the  varied  character  of  his  tastes.  Here  are  works  on  law,  medi 
cine,  the  military  art,  grammar,  divinity,  poetry,  oratory. 
We  find  few  books  of  fiction ;  though  we  are  happy  to  note 
Don  Quixote  in  the  list. 

Remembering  his  own  unhappy  experience  in  the  school 
room,  Mr.  Genin  conceived  a  prejudice  against  the  professional 
teacher  that  became  a  ruling  passion.  In  his  Biography  of 
his  son,  he  says,  he  was  determined  "  not  to  mar  the  happiness 
of  his  children,  if  he  could  conveniently  be  their  instructor. 
Other  circumstances  conspired  to  confirm  this  resolution,  par 
ticularly  what  he  thought  the  general  incompetency  of  teach 
ers,  and  the  conviction  that  all  scholars  are  self-made,  whether 
studying  at  home,  or  in  a  college  ;  and  that  even  an  illiterate 
woman  can,  by  judicious  praise  of  learning  and  learned  men, 


8  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIET. 

in  the  presence  of  children,  make  better  scholars  than  a  school 
master,  who  cannot  excite  their  ambition.  If  this  be  roused, 
a  child  can  scarce  be  prevented  from  making  of  himself  what 
he  pleases.  If  he  has  the  will  he  soon  finds  the  way  to  learn  : 
text-bopks  are  procured,  and  the  wise  consulted." 

In  his  office  of  teacher,  his  task,  he  says,  "  was  often  per 
formed  at  the  table,  while  eating ;  a  subject  would  be  men 
tioned  ;  some  leading  ideas  stated,  respecting  it,  and  books 
referred  to  for  further  information.  A  few  days  afterwards 
the  same  subject  would  be  mentioned,  with  the  expectation  of 
hearing  it  illustrated,  and  generally  the  pupil  was  prepared 
for  the  task ;  taking  sometimes  new  views,  and  offering  rea 
sons  not  contained  in  the  books  consulted.  On  reading  a 
newspaper,  the  mention  of  ports,  cities  and  other  points,  pre 
sented  occasions  for  inquiry  into  their  geographical  position, 
population,  manners,  customs,  etc.,  and  if  the  pupils  could  not 
readily  answer,  a  reference  to  maps  ensued.  Some  ten  rules 
in  arithmetic,  including  the  four  elementary  ones,  of  well- 
known  practical  use,  were  repeatedly  impressed  ;  but  no  time 
was  lost  in  going  through  any  treatise  on  that  science,  spend 
ing  weeks  and  months  in  attempting  to  solve  a  puzzle.  The 
same  course  was  observed  in  mathematics.  In  grammar,  the 
memory  was  burdened  as  little  as  possible.  In  acquiring  the 
languages  a  knowledge  of  the  words,  and  construction  of  sen 
tences  accompanied  the  study  of  the  grammar." 

He  experimented — according  to  his  ruling  passion — on  his 
sons,  respectively  four  and  six  years  old,  to  determine  whether 
grammar  can  be  taught  at  so  early  an  age.  This  was  his 
method  :  "  What  is  a  noun  ?  It  is  a  word  that  tells  what  we 
can  see,  feel,  or  think  of — as  fire,  air,  heat,  water.  What  is 
an  adjective  ?  It  is  a  word  that  tells  what  the  noun  is  ;  as 
whether  it  is  hard,  soft,  light,  heavy,  good,  bad.  Form  a 
sentence  of  the  adjective  and  noun  only.  Good  boy — heavy 
wood.  What  is  a  verb  ?  It  is  a  word  that  tells  the  motion 
of  the  noun,  as  whether  it  runs,  falls,  stands,  sits,  loves,  hates. 
Place  a  noun,  adjective  and  verb  in  sentence.  Good  boy  runs. 
With  these  three  classes  of  words,  or  parts  of  speech,  we  might 
express  our  ideas  ;  but  there  are  six  other  parts.  What  is  an 


BIDGKAPIIICAL    SKETCH.  79 

adverb  ?  It  is  a  word  that  tells  something  about  the  verb, 
adjective,  and  sometimes  another  adverb.  Place  the  noun, 
adjective,  verb  and  adverb  in  connexion.  Good  boy  runs 
nimbly  ;  is  very  wise  ;  runs  very  nimbly.  Give  a  sentence 
containing  a  word  of  each  class,  and  a  noun,  in  each  case. 
The  yellow  vine's  pumpkin  rolls  swiftly  near  an  orchard,  and 
oh,  it  vanishes !  This  is  sufficient  to  give  some  idea  of  the 
method  of  instruction."  He  thought  the  method  successful. 

To  ascertain  whether  any,  or  all  of  his  three  sons  had  any 
talent  for  drawing,  he,  as  usual,  made  a  very  ingenious  experi 
ment.  He  drew  a  portrait  of  the  three  brothers  with  a  lead- 
pencil,  and  laid  them  away  in  a  file  of  newspapers,  the  origi 
nals  not  seeming  to  take  any  particular  interest  in  the  art. 
"  Some  three  years  afterwards,  on  turning  over  the  leaves  of 
the  newspaper?,  as  if  by  accident,  these  portraits  were  found, 
and  were  exhibited  to  show  what  changes  time  had  wrought 
on  their  visages.  Sylvester,  on  the  same  day,  asked  for  paper, 
on  which,  he  said,  he  meant  to  draw  all  the  distinguished 
men.  The  next  day,  he  presented  to  his  father  a  tolerably 
good  likeness  of  Washington  ;  and  soon  after  of  JSTapoleon. 
Some  weeks  then  elapsed  without  further  attempts  to  draw. 
His  father  proceeded  to  copy  the  portrait  of  the  Empress 
Josephine.  This  recalled  the  son's  attention  to  the  art.  He 
formed  the  outline  of  a  Josephine,  without  the  features  of  the 
face ;  and  expressing  some  doubt  as  to  successfully  copying 
the  face  of  a  woman,  his  father  proposed  to  make  one  eye, 
and  copy  the  features  on  one  side  of  the  face,  and  that  the 
son  should  copy  the  other  side  of  it.  The  joint  production 
was  not  without  harmony.  It  encouraged  further  efforts ; 
and  shortly  afterwards  he  produced  a  tolerable  likeness  of  the 
Empress.  He  soon  became  enamored  with  the  art,  and  some 
half  dozen  miniatures,  on  ivory,  were  painted  for  his  neigh 
bors,  at  five  dollars  each.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to 
painting  in  oil,  and  copied  a  portrait  of  his  father,  which  had 
been  painted  by  A.  D.  G.  Tuthill,  in  1815.  His  likenesses 
were  very  exact ;  and  lie  was  told  by  his  acquaintances,  that, 
in  his  skill,  he  possessed  an  ample  fortune  ; .  but  his  father  re 
marked,  that  the  taking  of  portraits  was  rather  a  matter  of 


80  THOMAS    HEDGES   GENIN. 

talent,  than  genius,  and  somewhat  mechanical,  without  afford 
ing  the  advantages  for  thrift  which  are  found  in  the  trades  of 
the  carpenter,  saddler,  or  cobbler ;  for  these  could  avail  them 
selves  of  the  labor  of  apprentices  and  journeymen  ;  but  the 
painter  must  necessarily  earn  with  his  own  hands  all  he  ac 
quired  ;  that  if  money,  or  wealth,  were  the  sole  end  of  life, 
there  were  better  means  of  reaching  that  end,  than  the  paint 
ing  of  portraits  ;  and  if  glory  were  in  view,  it  chiefly  hovered 
over  the  historical  painter,  between  whom  and  the  mere  por 
trait  painter  there  was  a  great  difference." 

This  experiment  brought  to  light  the  talent  of  the  son,  Syl 
vester,  for  historical  painting ;  in  producing  specimens  of 
which,  he  won  the  high  praise  of  that  artist  of  almost  world 
wide  fame,  Col.  John  Trumbull. 

Mr.  Genin  never  professed  indifference  to  the  opinion 
his  judicial  superiors  had  of  his  services  as  Master  in  Chan 
cery.  In  a  letter  to  a  friend,  with  his  accustomed  frankness, 
he  wrote  :  "  I  had  acted  as  Master  of  Chancery  twenty-six  and 
a-half  consecutive  years,  holding  the  office  by  appointment  of 
the  Judges  in  both  the  Common  Pleas  and  the  Supreme 
Court.  In  acting  as  juror  or  finder  of  facts  in  both  courts,  I 
looked  for  the  appointment  of  a  Special  Master  in  the  Su 
preme  Court,  in  the  cases  appealed,  I  having  decided  on  the 
case  in  the  Common  Pleas.  But  this  was  not  done  in  a  single 
instance.  On  one  occasion,  the  Supreme  Judge  cried  out, 
1  Mr.  Genin,  the  Court  are  willing  to  allow  you  a  larger  sum 
than  you  have  set  down  for  your  report  in  this  case.7  I  re 
plied,  that  having  acted  in  the  case  in  the  Court  below,  it  had 
caused  me  no  more  trouble  than  I  had  charged  for."  He 
was,  however,  not  a  little  pleased  at  this  proof  of  the  confi 
dence  of  the  judges. 

He  relates  in  the  same  letter  another  example :  "  In  one 
case  after  decrees,  myself  being  party  complainant,  I  moved 
for  appointment  of  a  Special  Master  to  make  the  sale.  This 
was  the  only  Special  Master  appointed  in  my  time.  This 
scrap  of  glory  I  think  it  proper  to  preserve,  being  well  sus 
tained  by  the  records  of  the  courts." 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  81 

Though  thoroughly  plebeian  in  his  sympathies  and  tastes, 
Mr.  Genin  could  not  forget  the  fact  that  he  was  rich ;  and  he 
sometimes  complained  that  others  took  occasion  to  remember 
that  he  had  wealth,  to  do  him  injustice.  Alluding  to  a  partic 
ular  law  case  in  which  he  was  a  party,  he  said :  "  The  people 
consider  me  so  rich,  that  as  jurors  there  is  no  need  of  regard 
ing  their  oaths,  even  when  a  railroad  company  is  my  antago 
nist,  for  the  reason  that  I  do  not  need.  A  jury  was  out  all 
night  until  5  P.M.  the  next  day,  when  they  agreed  to  give  me 
$3,550  for  $12,000  of  injury."  He  adds  that  some  of  these 
jurors  wished  to  give  him  as  low  as  $500.  "  I  had  testified," 
he  adds,  "  that  the  damage  was  about  $6,000,  not  wishing  to 
state  iny  real  opinion,  for  fear  they  might  think  me  extrava 
gantly  wrong.  A  couple  of  the  jurors  thought  I  was  ignorant 
of  the  real  injury,  but  could  not  well  go  above  the  $6,000, 
and  insisted  on  that  sum." 

In  the  religious  experiences  of  his  boyhood — being  seriously 
wrought  upon  by  a  revival  when  but  twelve  or  thirteen  years 
old — he  prayed  that  he  might  never  be  rich.  He  heard  many 
people  older  than  himself  declaim  against  the  vanity  of  riches, 
and  in  his  boyish  simplicity  he  supposed  they  really  thought 
and  meant  what  they  said !  That  he  might  escape  the  "  van 
ity"  was  the  burden  of  his  petitions  in  the  prayer-meeting. 
When  later  in  life  he  found  himself,  in  spite  of  his  prayers,  a 
rich  man,  he  used  to  say,  that  the  fault  was  not  his  own. 
Wealth  was  thrust  upon  him ;  he  did  not  seek  it.  He  bought 
in  1819,  for  ten  cents  an  acre,  some  thousand  acre  tracts  in 
Virginia.  This  land  he  tried  to  sell  for  a  trifle — tried  to  ex 
change  for  other  property.  But  he  could  at  first  find  no  pur 
chaser.  Circumstances,  however,  led  to  its  great  increase  in 
value ;  and,  contrary  to  his  expectation  and  calculation,  it  be 
came  to  him  a  source  of  wealth.  He  writes :  "  Providence, 
you  see,  has  paid  not  much  attention  to  my  prayers !" 

Mr.  Genin's  family  relations  were,  till  death  made  its  rapid 
inroads,  of  the  most  affectionate  and  happy  nature.  But  he 
was  destined  to  survive  them  all.  His  wife,  a  woman  of  ex 
cellent  worth,  intelligent,  faithful  to  every  duty,  and  successful 
in  the  management  of  her  family,  died  in  August,  1851. 
6 


82  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

His  oldest  son,  Thurston,  a  lawyer  of  very  successful  prac 
tice,  and  a  man  of  many  virtues,  enjoying  the  highest  respect 
of  his  community,  died  in  September,  1848,  aged  twenty-eight 
years. 

His  second  son,  Sylvester — the  lawyer  and  artist,  to  whom 
frequent  reference  has  been  made  in  the  foregoing  pages — died 
in  April,  1850,  also  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight. 

The  third  son,  Florin,  and  last  of  the  family  save  the 
father,  died  in  August,  1856,  aged  thirty-two.  He  was  a  man 
of  much  promise,  who  had  always  remained  at  the  homestead. 

The  son  Sylvester  was  evidently  a  man  of  great  versatility 
of  talent.  He  stood  high  as  a  lawyer,  and  but  for  an  unwill 
ingness  to  crowd  others  seeking  preferment,  would  in  fair  prob 
ability  have  received  the  appointment  of  President- Judge  of 
one  of  the  Circuit  Courts.  As  an  artist,  a  writer  in  the  St. 
Clairsville  Chronicle  says  of  him  that  "  in  youth,  apparently 
unaided  and  without  instruction,  he  employed  his  pencil  in 
drawing  portraits,  landscapes  and  historical  scenes,  which  he 
continued  at  intervals  to  the  close  of  his  life.  His  produc 
tions  have  been  pronounced  by  competent  judges  as  finished 
specimens  of  painting,  and  do  great  credit  to  the  art  as  well 
as  to  the  youthful  artist.  Among  his  works  the  writer  of  this 
notice  has  observed  the  battle  of  the  Granicus — the  landing 
of  Csesar  in  Great  Britain — the  battle  of  Arbela — the  death 
of  Csssar — the  passage  of  the  Red  Sea  by  the  Israelites — the 
rescue  of  the  American  prisoners  by  Jasper  and  Newton — the 
Woman  of  Monterey,  and  others,  containing  from  six  or  ten  to 
seventy  or  eighty  figures,  in  varied  and  expressive  attitudes, 
harmonizing  with  the  leading  idea  of  the  design."  He  also 
evinced  unusual  talent  as  a  writer,  both  in  prose  and  poetry, 
and  as  a  speaker.  In  1855  his  father  prepared  and  published 
a  Memorial  Work,  embracing  Selections  from  his  works  in 
Poetry,  Prose,  and  Historical  Design:  with  a  Biographical 
Sketch.  The  work  contains  sixteen  engravings,  all — save  a 
portrait  of  Sylvester,  and  portraits  on  one  page  of  the  Genin 
Family — transcripts  of  the  Historical  Paintings,  to  which  ref 
erence  has  been  made. 

The  sons  all  died  of  consumption.    ISTone  were  ever  married. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  83 

Writing,  in  June,  I860,  of  his  family,  Mr.  Genin  said,  "  I 
have  no  relatives  nearer  than  nephews  and  nieces,  by  brothers 
and  sisters  of  half  blood." 

For  forty  years  Mr.  Genin  lived  on  the  same  farm  a  half- 
mile  from  St.  Clairsville  village.  In  all  these  years,  sickness 
and  death,  which  swept  away  one  by  one  all  the  members  of 
his  family,  had  spared  him.  Pie  writes  in  the  summer  of 
1868  :  "  I  am  now  enjoying  good  health."  Before  the  coming 
Fall  had  fully  set  in,  he  was,  however,  destined  to  follow  wife 
and  sons  to  the  "  bourne  from  which  no  traveller  returns." 

Mr.  Genin's  last  labor  with  the  pen  was  an  unfinished  letter 
to  a  gentleman  in  New  York,  in  answer  to  a  request  for  infor 
mation  in  regard  to  the  Genin  family.  The  circumstance  that 
the  letter  was  his  last,  and  that  it  closes  abruptly  with  an  un 
finished  sentence,  gives  it  a  melancholy  interest.  But  the 
further  circumstances  that  it  gives  more  light  pertaining  to  the 
family  history,  and  also  exhibits,  but  a  short  time  before  his 
death,  his  quiet  humor,  as  fresh  as  in  his  younger  days,  greatly 
increase  its  value.  The  letter  is  dated  : 

"Si.  CLAIRSVILLE,  October  18,  1868. 

"  DEAR  SIR  :  To  yours  of  the  13th  instant,  I  reply  that  I 
know  of  no  family  but  our  own  bearing  the  name  of  Genin. 
A  man  once  told  me  he  had  seen  a  lawyer  of  that  name  in 
New  Orleans.  On  reference  just  now  to  John  Livingstone's 
list  of  lawyers  for  1854  I  see  Louis  Janin  and  Charles  Janin, 
but  no  Genin,  on  the  list.  I  have  sometimes  examined  city 
directories,  but  never  met  with  the  name  as  belonging  to  an 
other  family. 

"  My  father,  John  Nicholas  Genin,  son  of  John  Nicholas 
Genin,  of  Labeurville,  Jurisdiction  of  Yerdun,  embarked  at 
Brest,  in  his  twenty-fifth  year,  and  landed  at  Ehode  Island  in 
1780.  He  was  clerk  in  the  Commissary's  department.  Took 
Ann  Tournier  for  wife,  an  American  French  Canadian,  by 
whom  he  had  one  son,  the  present  John  N.'s  father,  and  one 
daughter,  who  married  John  Hildreth.  He  took  for  second 
wife  Sarah  Hedges,  from  whom  I  sprung— her  only  child.  He 
took  for  third  wife  Mahala  Jennings,  who  survived  him,  with- 


84  THOMA.S    HEDGES    GENIN. 

out  children.  He  was  the  only  son  of  his  father,  whose  last 
letter  to  him  describes  the  father  as  ninety-three  years  old. 
He  had,  I  think,  an  uncle,  Claudius,  in  France.  Seeing  that 
I  had  writ  my  name,  Jennings,  in  my  school  book,  he  asked 
why?  Because,  quoth  I,  the  school-master  commanded  it. 
He  said  it  was  the  English  of  Genin.  A  vigorous  gesticulation 
ensued — '  pauvre  ignoramus  !  If  my  uncle  Claudius's  estate 
should  descend  this  would  be  a  sad  name  to  present.  Tell 
him  you  are  obliged,  but  your  French  name  is  good  enough.' 
"  I  know  nothing  of  the  woman  you  speak  of — " 

This  letter  was  written,  it  will  be  noticed,  October  18, 1868. 
On  the  morning  of  the  succeeding  day  at  three  o'clock,  he 
passed  away.  The  immediate  occasion  of  his  illness  was  not 
disease,  but  a  fall  in  his  orchard  but  a  few  days  before  his 
decease.  He  was  so  seriously  injured  that  he  was  carried  to  his 
house.  A  temporary  recovery  was  delusive.  It  is  evident  from 
the  tone  of  his  unfinished  letter  that  he  did  not  suppose  the 
injury  at  all  dangerous.  The  last  of  his  family,  he  was  spared 
the  pain  of  long  sickness.  At  the  age  of  seventy-two  he  joined 
his  family — the  wife  and  three  children — in  the  world  of  souls. 
The  Belmont  Chronicle,  whose  columns  he  had  so  often  enliv 
ened,  in  its  issue  for  October  22,  had  this  editorial  article  in 
regard  to  his  death,  and  his  public  and  private  worth : 


"  Thomas  H.  Genin,  Esq.,  an  old  and  much  respected  citizen 
of  St.  Clairsville,  died  at  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
19th  instant.  He  fell  in  his  orchard  on  the  Thursday  previous, 
and  had  to  be  carried  into  the  house.  He  recovered  from  that 
attack  in  a  measure,  and  on  Sabbath  day  sat  up  and  ate  his 
dinner  as  usual. 

"  Mr.  Genin  was  born  on  Long  Island,  of  French  parentage, 
in  March,  1T96,  and  studied  law  in  the  city  of  New  York. 
While  pursuing  his  legal  studies  he  wrote  '  The  .Napolead,'  an 
epic  poem,  something  in  the  style  of  Homer's  Iliad,  which 
attracted  considerable  attention  in  the  world  of  letters,  as  at 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  85 

that  time  America  was  reproached  with  being  without  authors 
or  a  literature  of  its  own,  and  with  importing  its  ideas  and 

books  from  England.     On  arriving  at  twenty-one — in  181Y 

he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  having  previously  married, 
started  to  find  a  home  in  the  then  <  Far  West.'  On  reaching 
the  Ohio,  he  heard  of  Charles  Hammond,  then  an  eminent 
member  of  the  Belmont  County  Bar,  and  advised  with  him  as 
to  his  location.  By  the  advice  of  Mr.  Hammond  he  took  up 
his  residence  in  St.  Clairsville,  and  commenced  the  practice 
of  the  law.  In  July,  1818,  he  was  appointed  by  the  Court  of 
Common  Pleas  Master  Commissioner  in  Chancery,  upon  the 
resignation  of  that  office  by  Charles  Hammond.  He  continued 
in  that  position  about  twenty  years.  When  he  reached  Ohio, 
Mr.  Genin  was  in  limited  circumstances.  His  wife  owned  a 
large  quantity  of  Virginia  lands,  but,  located  in  a  wild  and 
unsettled  country,  they  were  then  of  little  value.  By  thrift 
and  economy  he  was  enabled  to  purchase  lands  in  Ohio  and 
elsewhere  in  the  West,  and  the  rapid  development  of  the  West 
greatly  enhanced  the  value  of  his  lands,  so  that  at  his  death 
he  probably  ranked  first  among  the  wealthy  men  of  our  county. 
He  was  the  last  member  of  his  family.  His  wife  died  about 
1851,  Florin  about  the  same  time,  Sylvester  and  Thurston 
several  years  previous  to  that.  Sylvester  was  a  painter  of 
some  promise.  He  died  in  Jamaica. 

"  Thomas  H.  Genin,  whatever  his  foibles  and  eccentricities, 
was  a  just  man.  He  was  exceedingly  fond  of  society,  and 
would  apparently  never  tire  talking  to  those  who  called  at  his 
quiet  home  or  whom  he  met  in  town ;  and,  rare  accomplish 
ment,  was  the  best  listener  we  ever  met  with.  Although  of  a 
thoughtful  disposition  and  somewhat  brusque  in  his  manner, 
there  was  a  frankness  and  lonhomie  in  his  intercourse  with 
his  fellow-men  that  made  his  society  very  acceptable. 

"  Mr.  Genin,  we  believe,  was  the  oldest  member  of  the  St. 
Clairsville  Bar.  He  was  contemporary  with  Charles  Ham 
mond,  Philip  Doddridge,  John  M.  Goodenow,  and  the  other 
great  men  so  intimately  associated  with  the  early  history  of 
our  country,  and  we  believe  was  the  last  link  connecting  us 
with  those  mighty  men. 


86  THOMAS    HEDGES   GENIN. 

"The  Bar  held  a  meeting  at  the  Clerk's  office  yesterday, 
adopted  appropriate  resolutions,  and  resolved  to  attend  his 
funeral  in  a  body." 

The  Chronicle  for  November  5,  gives  an  official  report  of 
the  "  Proceedings  of  the  Belmont  County  Bar,"  in  memory  of 
the  deceased,  as  follows : 

"A  meeting  of  the  members  of  the  Belmont  County  Bar 
was  held  at  the  Clerk's  office,  October  20,  to  give  expression 
to  their  sentiments  on  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  Thomas  H. 
Genin.  The  meeting  was  organized  by  calling  Hon.  B.  S. 
Cowen  to  the  chair,  and  appointing  St.  Clair  Kelly,  Secretary. 

"  Appropriate  remarks  were  made  by  B.  S.  Cowen,  Peter 
Tallman,  L.  Danford,  M.  J.  W.  Glover  and  K.  H.  Cochran, 
Esqs.,  and  other  members  of  the  bar ;  and  a  committee  consisting 
of  Hon.  James  Weir,  Hon.  D.  D.  T.  Cowen,  Peter  Tallman  and 
M.  J.  "W.  Glover,  Esqs.,  was  appointed,  who  reported  the  fol 
lowing  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

"  Thomas  H.  Genin,  a  member  of  our  bar,  died  on  yesterday 
morning  at  three  o'clock,  aged  seventy-two  years,  and  we  have 
assembled  to  express  the  sentiments  and  emotions  to  which 
the  occasion  has  given  rise. 

"  Mr.  Genin  was  the  oldest  member  of  the  Belmont  county 
bar. 

"  Born  in  March,  1796,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  in  1817.  In  the  same  year  he  emigrated  to  the 
West.  He  was  induced  by  Charles  Hammond,  then  a  practic 
ing  attorney  of  this  county,  to  locate  here,  and  he  remained 
here  until  his  death. 

"  The  journals  of  our  Common  Pleas  Court  show  that  at  its 
July  term,  1818,  he  was  appointed  Master  Commissioner,  to 
succeed  Charles  Hammond,  who  resigned.  This  office  he 
retained  for  more  than  twenty  years. 

"  Although  he  has  not  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law 
for  several  years,  we,  many  of  us,  knew  him  as  a  ripe  scholar, 
a  profound  lawyer,  a  wise  counsellor,  and  an  able  advocate, 
and  we  continued  to  profit  by  his  advice  and  information  upon 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH.  87 

questions  involving  principles  of  elementary  law,  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death. 

"  Pie  did  himself  no  more  than  justice  when,  in  a  published 
biography  of  one  of  his  dead  sons,  he  referred  to  himself  as  an 
6  accurate  lawyer.' 

"He  was  a  man  of  far  more  than  ordinary  literary  attain 
ments,  with  a  remarkable  knowledge  and  recollection  of  his 
tory,  and  he  found  time,  in  the  midst  of  professional  labors, 
to  write  and  publish  an  epic  poem,  not  unknown  to  fame, 
entitled  '  The  Napolead.' 

"  In  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  in  his  business  trans 
actions,  he  has  uniformly  and  deservedly  maintained  a  reputa 
tion  for  strict  integrity. 

"In  his  social  and  personal  relations  he  was  eminently 
hospitable  and  companionable. 

"  The  head  of  a  numerous  family,  he  has  been,  by  several 
years,  the  sole  survivor  of  them,  and  now,  in  the  fullness  of 
time,  is  about  to  be  buried  with  them.  Peace  to  his  ashes  ! 

"  We  tender  the  relatives  of  the  deceased  our  condolence  in 
their  affliction. 

"  Resolved,  That  our  Common  Pleas  Court,  now  in  session, 
be  requested  to  adjourn,  out  of  respect  for  the  memory  of  the 
deceased,  and  that  we,  with  the  officers  of  the  Court,  attend 
his  funeral  in  a  body. 

"  Resolved,  That  eight  of  our  number  be  selected  to  act  as 
pall-bearers. 

"  Resolved,  That  copies  of  these  resolutions,  and  the  pro 
ceedings  of  this  meeting,  be  presented  to  the  relatives  of  the 
deceased ;  to  our  courts,  with  the  request  that  they  be  spread 
upon  the  journals,  and  to  the  papers  of  our  county  for  publica 
tion.  "  Signed,  "  JAMES  WEIR, 

"  PETER  TALLMAN, 
"  M.  J.  W.  GLOVER, 
"  D.  D.  T.  COWEN, 

"  Committee. 

"  And  the  meeting  having  made  suitable  arrangements  for 
attending  the  funeral,  adjourned.  "  B.  S.  COWEN,  CVn. 

"  ST.  CLAIR  KELLY, 


WRITINGS. 

In  compiling  the  Writings  of  Thomas  Hedges  Genin  for 
this  Memorial  Work,  the  Chronological  Order  is,  as  far  as 
practicable,  followed — except  that  the  Prose  and  Poetry  have 
each  a  separate  assignment.  In  the  selections  and  the  very 
brief  articles,  little  regard  is  paid  to  order,  except  that  of 
convenience.  The  Order  of  Time  rather  than  the  Order  of 
Topics,  best  presents  the  Literary  History  of  the  Author. 


PROSE  WRITINGS. 


OKATICHST,* 

Delivered  before  the  Semi-Annual  Meeting  of  the  "  Union  Humane  Society," 
held  in  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio,  May  18,  1818,  and  first  published  by  order 
of  the  Society  the  same  year. 

THE  light  of  knowledge  has  illumined  our  land.  That 
sacred  light  which  inspires  heroism  with  justice,  gives  ardor 
to  liberty  and  virtue,  and  unites  men  in  brotherly  love,  is 
ours.  Shall  it  be  our  reproach,  or  our  praise  ?  We  have 
heard  knavery  howl  in  the  wilderness  of  ignorance,  in  quest 
of  human  blood.  We  have  seen  avarice  and  prejudice  sullen 
and  dreadful  march,  and  many  and  seemingly  insurmountable 
barriers  interpose  against  reason,  giving  stability  to  oppres 
sion,  root  to  injustice,  sorrow  to  philanthropy,  disgust  to  phi 
losophy,  offence  to  Christianity,  and  disgrace  to  human  nature 
in  consigning  a  portion  of  the  human  family  to  hopeless  Slav 
ery.  This  evil,  most  sincerely  to  be  deprecated,  we  have  at 
tempted  to  remove  by  the  formation  of  this  Society,  whose 
united  intelligence  and  industry,  it  was  hoped,  might  show 
its  wickedness  to  the  good,  its  impolicy  to  the  bad,  its  deform 
ity  to  the  world,  and  expose  its  dark  foundations  to  the  con 
tempt  of  mankind,  that  the  fire  of  avarice  might  slacken,  and 

*  The  youth  of  the  Author,  at  the  time  but  twenty-two  years  old,  will 
exempt  the  Oration  from  severe  criticism  on  the  score  of  its  Sophomorical 
rhetoric :  a  very  obvious  defect,  which,  however,  in  subsequent  literary 
efforts,  he  rapidly  corrected.  On  the  other  hand,  its  prophetic  character- 
making  it  now  almost  a  history,  and  its  clear  perception  of  the  essential 
wrong,  and  inevitable  working  of  the  institution  of  Slavery— gives  to  it  a 
permanent  interest.  It  may  be  treasured  as  a  choice  relic  of  Anti-Slavery 
literature  in  the  pioneer  days  of  Agitation. 


92  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

the  gloom  of  prejudice  decrease  respecting  the  Africans,  and 
their  emancipation  be  gradually  effected. 

Whether  success  attend  its  endeavors  or  not,  it  has  already 
its  reward  in  the  goodness  of  its  intentions.  Happy  is  the 
man  who  communing  with  himself  can  say,  I  intend  well, 
have  done  my  duty,  and  have  not  abused  the  gifts  of  fortune. 
He  may  unaffectedly  despise  the  invectives  of  malice  and  the 
sneers  of  envy ;  like  a  rocky  mountain  that  extends  above  the 
storms  into  the  placid  empyrean,  he  may  look  unconcernedly 
down  upon  the  scanty  stream  of  human  praise  that  murmurs 
at  his  base,  and  the  rude  tempests  of  malevolence  that  around 
him  roar.  Who  has  done  well  with  what  he  has,  can  lose 
nothing  by  comparison  with  him  that  has  made  a  proper  use 
of  more.  Those  who  obey  the  voice  of  reason  and  revelation, 
as  they  must  perform  the  duty  of  the  philanthropist  and  pa 
triot,  may  promise  themselves  a  harvest  of  satisfaction  in  the 
recollection  of  their  deeds,  independently  of  the  capricious 
world  ;  but  many  who  acknowledge  the  government  of  both, 
give  themselves  little  trouble  to  understand  either ;  for,  why 
should  the  Christian,  if  he  properly  understand  the  basis  of 
his  faith,  look  kindly  upon  Slavery,  unless  he  would  like  to  be 
a  slave  ?  In  countenancing  oppression  does  he  do  unto  the 
oppressed  as  he  would  have  others  do  unto  him  if  he  were 
similarly  situated  ? 

Can  a  Christian  understand  in  what  justice  consists,  yet 
view  with  careless  indifference  his  fellow-man  held  in  bond 
age  during  life,  and  all  his  rights  disregarded  ?  Is  not  the 
man  of  color  born  with  certain  inherent  unalienable  rights  as 
well  as  other  men  ?  If  he  be  ranked  among  mankind,  he  is  ; 
or  the  authors  of  our  Declaration  of  Rights  err  in  saying  that 
men  are  born  equal,  and  have  such  rights.  It  is  clearly  re 
pugnant  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  that  one 
class  of  citizens  should  be  held  in  slavery  by  another,  or  that 
Declaration  was  not  meant  as  a  summary  of  the  rights  in 
tended  to  be  guaranteed  by  the  Constitution  to  all  men  within 
the  sphere  of  its  influence,  but  as  an  instrument  of  empty  pro 
fessions,  which  might  be  practised  or  not  as  interest  or  humor 
inclined.  Surely  right  and  justice  are  the  same  to  a  black  as 


PEOSE   WHITINGS.  93 

to  a  white  man  ;  like  the  God  from  whom  they  sprung,  they 
know  no  distinction  of  persons. 

Let  him  not  pretend  to  be  guided  by  reason,  who  says  that 
the  Slavery  of  the  negroes  is  just  or  proper  because  they  are 
black,  were  uncivilized,  or  because  they  have  not  produced  a 
Newton  or  a  Homer.  Eeason,  religion  and  the  common  sense 
of  mankind  unite  in  disapprobation  of  Slavery.  What,  then, 
but  the  foulest  prejudice  can  induce  people  seemingly  rational 
and  religious,  to  view  with  unconcern  the  dearest  rights  of 
man  trampled  upon  ?  As  the  common  hangman  becomes  in 
different  to  the  distress  of  his  victim,  so  they  become  deaf  to 
the  wrongs  of  the  Africans.  They  have  seen  the  negro  de 
spised.  They  have  been  taught  to  consider  him  inferior  to 
themselves.  They  have  unfortunately  mistaken  his  situation 
for  his  nature.  In  him  on  occasion  is  the  same  regal  dignity, 
poetic  ardor,  philosophic  profundity,  and  disquisitional  sub 
tlety  which  we  have  chanced  to  display.  What  flagrant  irra 
tionality  attaches  to  those,  who,  after  cutting  off  the  legs  of 
an  animal,  require  it  to  walk ;  or  after  degrading  the  negro 
and  debasing  his  mind,  require  from  him  that  intellectual 
brilliancy  which  can  only  grow  in  the  soil  of  Liberty  and 
Science.  Homer  has  justly  remarked — 

"  Whom  Jove  condemns  to  see  the  servile  day, 
One  half  his  virtue  he  conveys  away." 

No  wonder  then  that  we  hear  some  simple  people  compli 
menting  themselves  on  their  natural  superiority  to  the  Afri 
cans,  without  adverting  to  the  fact,  that  they  would  be  the 
same  under  the  same  restraint.  But  the  man  of  sense,  the 
the  Christian  or  Philosopher,  will  scarce  set  a  higher  value  on 
himself  for  the  misery  of  others.  These  will  discover  in  the 
situation  of  the  slaves  abundant  cause  for  shame,  knowing  it 
to  be  their  duty  to  improve  and  not  debase  their  nature.  Be 
hold  yon  slave,  naked,  scarred  with  frequent  stripes ;  appa 
rently  thoughtless  and  jolly  ;  whose  sole  care  is  to  avoid  the 
scourge;  look,  O  man!  and  mourn  the  degradation  of  your 
kind  !  In  that  breast  may  be  a  heart  that,  in  other  circum 
stances,  had  beat  high  to  glory  ;  in  that  mouth  a  tongue  that 


94  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEST. 

had  poured  conviction  upon  admiring  senates.  That  an  ob 
scure,  and  perhaps  worthless  individual  might  have  his  farm 
cultivated,  while  he  wasted  his  time  in  idle  amusements,  his 
superior  in  talents  is  reduced  to  the  condition  of  a  brute.  Yon 
der  is  another,  bowed  down  with  age  ;  sorrow  is  in  his  face  ; 
tears  oft  fall  from  his  eyes ;  he  lives  in  perpetual  celibacy, 
determined  not  to  leave  a  progeny  of  slaves ;  he  anxiously 
awaits  the  friendly  embrace  of  the  grave,  chiding  the  linger 
ing  years  ;  the  offals  of  the  harvest  are  his  food  ;  hard  is  his 
bed ;  to  him  the  night  stretches  forth  no  friendly  hand,  and 
the  cheering  beams  of  the  morning  bring  to  him  no  joy  ;  his 
life  is  misery  ;  his  hopes  are  beyond  the  grave  ;  his  happiness 
is  death  ;  his  joy  is  immortality  !  And  why  spread  we  thorns 
around  the  African  race  ?  Because  God  peculiarly  favors  our 
land  ?  Wretched  gratitude  for  heavenly  mercy  !  But  injus 
tice  is  its  own  poison.  Should  a  government  whose  existence 
depends  on  virtue  sanction  iniquity  ?  If  it  tolerate  injustice 
in  Slavery,  or  in  any  other  manner,  though  less  extensive  and 
corruptive,  does  it  not  court  destruction  ?  Does  it  not  under 
mine  itself  ?  It  ill  becomes  us  to  exercise  the  power  we  pos 
sess  in  oppression.  That  righteous  God  from  whom  springs 
all  authority,  gave  not  empire  and  liberty  to  these  States  to 
hold  the  negroes  in  bondage.  Power  is  given  to  be  properly 
employed  ;  and  of  him  to  whom  much  is  given,  much  will  be 
required.  As  heaven  is  just  it  frowns  on  our  injustice.  Alas  ! 
religion  upbraids,  reason  complains  and  humanity  weeps,  but 
avarice  is  deaf;  naught,  I  fear,  will  rouse  its  torpor  but  the 
stern  tribunal  of  Heaven  !  There  is  no  virtuous  man  that 
would  not  rejoice  at  the  emancipation  of  the  negroes  from 
bondage.  Their  misfortunes  were  not  the  fruits  of  their  own 
faults.  Their  crime  was  that  their  labor  afforded  incense  to 
avarice,  and  their  misfortune  that  avarice  had  power.  Who 
laments  their  state  ill  does  his  duty  to  himself,  his  God  and 
country,  if  he  neglects  any  legal  means  that  may  effect  their 
liberation  or  better  their  condition. 

What  political  reason  can  there  be  for  continuing  their 
bondage  ?  Is  the  country  at  large  benefited  by  their  labor  ? 
Were  the  places  they  occupy  settled  with  industrious  yeo- 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  95 

manry,  interested  in  the  morals  and  government  of  the  land, 
would  not  the  ground  be  in  a  much  better  state  of  cultiva 
tion  ?  Might  not  the  country  have  greater  confidence  in  their 
assistance  in  war  and  peace  ?  "Would  not  property  be  more 
equally  distributed,  and  that  disparity  of  wealth,  so  much  to 
be  dreaded  in  republics,  avoided  ?  I  aver  that  the  country 
would  have  more  real  wealth  and  solid  strength,  if  Slavery 
was  relinquished. 

But  are  there  not  moral  reasons  paramount  to  every  politi 
cal  consideration  ?  Indeed,  moral  and  political  reasons  are 
the  same,  respecting  our  internal  regulations,  if  I  understand 
the  principles  of  our  Government.  The  iniquitous  thraldom 
of  the  Africans  has  impressed  the  foulest  stain  on  our  moral 
character,  and  exposes  in  us  disgusting  inconsistency.  At  one 
time  we  declare  that  all  men  are  equal,  and  have  equal  rights 
that  are  inalienable ;  among  these  life,  liberty  and  the  pur 
suit  of  happiness.  A.t  another,  against  our  light  and  knowl 
edge,  against  what  we  ourselves  avow,  and  disregarding  heav 
en's  justice,  and  the  remonstrances  of  humanity,  with  flagit 
ious  hand  we  snatch  those  rights  from  the  negro  race,  with  as 
much  appearance  of  justice  as  the  bandit  shows  when  he  mur 
ders  the  defenceless  traveller  for  his  gold ;  for  the  same  end 
that  the  pirate  spreads  his  black  sail ;  that  Britain  arms  the 
ferocious  savage  ;  that  Spain  destroyed  the  vineyards  of  Mex 
ico  ;  and  that  Dionysins  sold  Plato  into  slavery — all  for  the 
gratification  of  degrading  passions. 

It  is  to  be  lamented  that  man  has  proved  so  undeserving 
of  the  most  signal  blessings  Heaven  has  bestowed,  by  mis 
directing  their  application ;  that  spirit,  useful  as  a  medicine, 
should  be  employed  to  metamorphose  men  into  brutes ;  that 
power,  instead  of  diffusing  happiness  and  improving  our 
nature,  should  be  exercised  in  oppressing  and  degrading  man 
kind  ;  that  religion  instead  of  inspiring  universal  charity, 
creating  general  fondness  for  meritorious  virtue,  and  teaching 
men  forgiveness  and  peace,  should  be  made  an  instrument  of 
knavery,  and  whet  the  sword  of  contention,  disuniting  man 
kind  ;  that  the  discovery  of  the  compass,  while  it  approxi 
mated  remote  lands,  interchanging  their  productions,  and 


96  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

increasing  the  knowledge  of  the  world,  was  made  the  con 
ductor  of  the  innocent  Africans  to  misery  too  shocking  to 
describe,  and  guided  the  fearful  tempest  of  Spanish  lust 
against  the  Indians  of  the  south,  on  whom  was  practised 
unexampled  cruelty,  instead  of  Christian  benevolence.  Not 
withstanding  the  science  and  wealth  it  has  scattered  over  the 
world,  it  is  difficult  to  determine  the  benefit  or  injury  it  has 
done  mankind  :  scarce  a  coast  was  visited  but  to  gratify  cupid 
ity,  practice  cruelty,  and  arrogate  dominion. 

In  seventeen  years  after  the  discovery  and  settlement  of 
Hispaniola,  it  was  found  that  the  natives  were  reduced  from 
the  number  of  one  million  to  fourteen  thousand,  owing  to  the 
intolerable  burdens  imposed  upon  them  by  their  unfeeling 
masters ;  but  even  that  age  of  oppression  and  murder  for  a 
moment  listened  to  the  voice  of  humanity  and  justice,  de 
nouncing  their  slavery.  The  ecclesiastics  that  were  sent  as 
instructors  into  the  island,  Qarly  remonstrated  against  the 
maxims  of  the  planters  respecting  the  Indians,  condemning 
the  repartimentos  or  distributions  by  which  they  were  given 
up  as  slaves  to  individuals,  as  contrary  to  natural  justice  and 
the  precepts  of  Christianity.  Montesino,  one  of  their  num 
ber,  inveighed  against  it  vehemently  in  the  great  church  of  St. 
Domingo,  to  the  chagrin  of  his  hearers.  The  chief  of  the 
colony  complained  to  his  superiors  in  Spain ;  and  they  instead 
of  condemning^  applauded  his  doctrine,  as  well  they  might. 
The  Dominicans  refused  the  sacrament  to  such  of  their  coun 
trymen  as  held  the  Indians  in  bondage  ;  so  decisive  was  the 
stand  of  the  Catholic  church  against  iniquity  so  vile.  Appli 
cation  "was  now  made  to  Ferdinand  for  his  decision.  The 
slaveholders,  perhaps,  believed  that  he  better  understood  the 
principles  of  justice  than  the  whole  body  of  the  church,  when 
his  interest  and  theirs  were  united.  He  appointed  a  com 
mittee  of  his  privy  council,  assisted  by  some  of  the  most  emi 
nent  civilians  and  divines  in  Spain,  to  hear  the  deputies  from 
Hispaniola  in  support  of  their  respective  opinions.  This  com 
mittee,  more  dreading  the  displeasure  of  Heaven  than  the 
frowns  of  their  monarch,  reported  in  favor  of  the  Indians. 
They  were  declared  to  be  a  free  people,  entitled  to  all  the 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  97 

natural  rights  of  men.  Nevertheless  the  oppression  continued. 
As  this  decision  admitted  the  principles  upon  which  the 
remonstrance  of  the  clergy  was  founded,  they  renewed  their 
efforts  to  obtain  relief  for  the  Indians  with  additional  zeal. 
But  at  length  Ferdinand  issued  a  decree,  stating,  among  other 
things,  that  the  servitude  of  the  Indians  was  warranted  by 
the  laws  of  God  and  man  ;  that  unless  they  were  subject  to 
the  immediate  control  of  the  Spaniards,  they  could  not  be 
instructed  in  the  Christian  faith ;  that  the  king  and  council 
were  willing  to  take  the  propriety  of  the  measure  upon  their 
own  consciences  ;  therefore  all  religious  orders  should,  for  the 
future,  cease  their  invectives  against  the  practice.  Thus, 
after  admitting  the  right  of  the  Indians  to  freedom,  audacious 
power  fixes  upon  them  perpetual  chains ;  and  the  justice  of 
the  deed  is  accommodated  with  the  conscience  of  a  king  and 
his  councillors !  A  wretched  standard  of  right. 

Among  the  most  urgent  advocates  for  their  liberty  was 
Las  Casas.  This  man,  finding  that  virtue  was  less  respected 
at  the  Spanish  court  than  interest,  proposed  supplying  the 
place  of  the  Indians,  expected  to  be  emancipated,  by  laborers 
from  Spain  and  negroes  from  Africa.  It  is  unreasonable  to 
believe  that  one  so  earnest  in  the  cause  of  humanity,  and 
respectable  for  talent,  more  prized  the  liberty  of  the  Ameri 
cans  than  Africans.  His  proposition  is  clearly  meant  to  alle 
viate  what  could  not  be  cured.  He  knew  the  Indians  were 
within  reach  of*  oppression,  and  that  the  Africans  were  three 
thousand  miles  distant.  The  ships  of  his  age  were  few  and 
small.  He  might,  therefore,  from  the  apparent  difficulty  of 
obtaining  negroes  at  that  time,  have  promised  himself  the 
liberation  of  millions  of  Indians  for  a  small  number  of  ne 
groes.  Tlie  Spanish  court  eagerly  accepted  his  proposition ; 
but  for  a  different  object  from  what  its  author  had  in  view ; 
who  intended  to- lessen,  while  the  court  meant  to  increase,  the 
bondage  of  men.  They  were  undoubtedly  glad  of  an  oppor 
tunity  to  supply  the  rapid  decrease  of  the  Indians  with  the 
seeming  concurrence  of  the  avowed  enemy  of  their  tyranny, 
and  while  they  concealed  their  perfidy,  expose  him  to  the 
obloquy  of  the  measure.  In  1508  Charles  Y.  granted  a 
T 


98  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

patent  to  a  favorite,  authorizing  its  holder  to  import  4,000 
negroes  into  Hispaniola.  This  was  sold  to  some  Genoese 
merchants  for  25,000  ducats,  who  immediately  began  the 
work  with  the  avidity  of  monopolizers,  and  organized  that 
system  of  damning  traffic  which  has  ever  since  whelmed 
Africa  in  tears,  and  conspicuously  stained  the  human  char 
acter. 

The  march  of  wickedness  is  swift.  In  1619  a  Dutch  ship 
sailing  up  James  Eiver,  sold  part  of  her  cargo  of  slaves ;  and 
this  first  sowed  in  Virginia  the  seeds  of  that  upas,  which  has 
grown  with  alarming  rapidity,  and  will  clandestinely  continue 
to  expand  so  long  as  its  roots  are  not  extracted.  The  wor 
shippers  of  mammon  searched  the  world  for  a  market  to  sell 
mankind.  While  gold  was  in  view  and  the  seller  had  power 
to  reach  it  by  kidnapping,  and  the  buyer  by  encouraging  the 
crime,  they  little  considered  the  end  for  which  they  were 
made ;  the  bourne  to  which  they  were  travelling,  never  to 
return ;  that  their  deeds  were  marked  on  the  dread  records 
of  eternity ;  that  while  they  made  themselves  rich  for  a  mo 
ment  they  were  preparing  to  be  poor  forever ;  or  how  they 
would  answer  for  the  deeds  done  in  the  body.  No,  Cupidity, 
thou  wilt  persist  in  thy  course,  unless  Deity  stand  revealed 
before  thee,  launching  thunder  at  thy  head.  The  orphan's 
tears,  the  widow's  sighs,  the  tiger's  scream  and  wolf's  howl 
are  alike  to  thee.  Enter  not  (but  alas  !  thou  canst  not  avoid 
fate)  the  land  of  shades,  there  thou  wilt  meet  the  scorn  of 
Africa's  ghosts,  and  learn  too  late  the  inferiority  of  proud 
wealth  to  humble  virtue.  The  trump  of  doom  and  judgment 
of  angry  justice  shall  give  mournful  lesson  to  that  heart  that 
scorned  and  oppressed  the  poor  regardless  of  right,  and  bar 
tered  the  happiness  of  man  for  paltry  gold.  What  but 
thoughtless  ignorance,  or  shameless  impudence,  to  speak  of 
slavery  as  right !  Where,  I  ask,  is  that  right  to  be  found  ? 
In  the  volume  of  God  ?  No,  the  suspicion  is  profane.  In 
the  law  of  nature  ?  No,  it  is  repugnant  to  all  its  provisions. 
In  the  field  of  reason  ?  No,  that  field  is  covered  with  light, 
and  the  object  sought  is  a  companion  of  darkness.  Look  in 
the  glooms  of  depravity,  in  the  savage  wilds  of  ignorance,  in 


PROSE   WETTINGS.  99 

the  loathsome,  putrid  fens  of  avarice,  on  hell's  confines,  na 
ture's  dotage,  man's  disgrace,  where  false  beacons  deceive  the 
traveller  ;  inquire  there  for  that  right  and  it  will  be  readily 
pointed  out — you  will  believe  your  informant  or  yourselves 
much  mistaken,  for  you  cannot  see  it  until  you  ascertain  it  to 
be  the  right  whereby  the  lion  seizes  the  roe,  whereby  the  wolf 
devours  the  lamb.  The  lovers  of  justice,  however  learned,  I 
believe,  never  could  discover  that  one  body  of  people  had  a 
legitimate  right  to  the  services  of  another.  The  reasons  urged 
at  the  court  of  Madrid  for  continuing  the  servitude  of  the 
Indians,  throw  more  light  upon  the  depravity  of  their  authors 
than  upon  that  subject.  The  Indians,  say  they,  are  inferior 
in  nature,  cannot  reason  like  Spaniards,  and  are  indolent ; 
therefore  they  seem  marked  out  for  servitude.  The  two  lat 
ter,  I  apprehend,  mean  nothing  more  than  inferiority  of  im 
provement.  The  same  reasoning  would  subject  the  Spaniards 
to  the  tyranny  of  France  or  England ;  both  countries  being 
superior  to  Spain  in  industry  and  arts. 

We  have  seen  that  truth  early  conquered,  as  is  customary, 
when  let  to  battle  with  falsehood.  The  Church  viewed  the 
slavery  as  horribly  vicious.  A  committee  of  the  most  emi 
nent  men  in  Spain,  were  of  the  same  opinion.  It  was  now 
become  useless  to  oppose  justice  in  the  field  of  argument. 
The  king,  therefore,  with  an  accommodating  conscience  pecu 
liar  to  princes,  determined  in  virtue  of  his  power  as  best 
suited  his  interests. 

It  is  not  known  that  the  Spaniards  urged  color  as  an  argu 
ment  against  the  Indians,  which  most  people  consider  the 
leading  cause  of  the  slavery  of  the  Africans.  Perhaps  it  was 
deemed  too  monstrous  an  absurdity  to  obtain,  even  with  the 
vulgar,  as  their  acquaintance  with  the  Moors  and  Africans 
must  have  taught  them  that  human  nature  was  not  altered 
by  complexion  ;  or  probably  an  idea  so  extravagant  did  not, 
at  that  time,  suggest  itself.  I  believe  the  glory  of  discovering 
the  virtue  of  color  may  be  exclusively  claimed  by  some  nomi 
nal  Christians  of  modern  days.  It  is,  doubtless,  very  wicked 
to  come  into  the  world  with  a  dark  countenance ;  yet  I  cannot 
see  how  the  negro  could  have  done  otherwise ;  nor  can  I  per- 


100  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENE*. 

suade  myself  that  it  is  proper  to  punish  him  for  an  offence 
against  our  fancy  which  God  committed. 

The  slavery  of  the  Africans  was  introduced  for  the  gratifi 
cation  of  avarice,  which,  with  its  accustomed  meanness,  sought 
its  victims  in  a  quarter  whence  the  vengeance  of  their  insulted 
and  abused  nation  could  not  pursue  and  punish.  Had  they 
been  white,  and  similarly  weakened  by  disunion  and  igno 
rance,  they  had  met  the  same  fate;  avarice  would  have 
prowled,  and  where  prey  could  be  made  without  fear  of  re 
venge,  it  had  been  done.  "  The  Saxons,  during  the  eleventh 
century  (says  an  English  historian),  like  some  barbarians  of 
the  present  age,  dealt  in  slaves.  Great  gains  were  drawn 
from  this  commerce  by  the  merchants  of  Bristol,  till  yielding 
to  the  benevolent  counsels  of  "Wulfstan,  bishop  of  Worcester, 
they  ceased  to  pursue  a  custom  so  disgraceful  to  humanity." 
He  here  blends  the  black  with  the  white  slavery,  for  indeed 
they  are  not  different.  The  Greeks  and  Romans  knew  no 
distinction  of  color  among  their  slaves.  The  vanquished  in 
war  were  often  reduced  to  servitude  by  the  victors,  and  no 
right  but  that  of  power  was  pretended  to  justify  a  continu 
ance  of  the  bondage. 

Where  one  nation  cannot  live  in  peace  for  the  depravity  of 
another,  by  way  of  self  defence  it  may  be  necessary  to  disarm 
or  disperse  the  offending  state,  and  proper  for  the  conqueror 
to  remunerate  himself  for  losses  and  spoliations  from  the  prop 
erty  or  persons  of  the  vanquished  people.  Here  one  party 
declining  to  be  just,  submits  to  power,  and  must  abide  the 
consequences,  however  afflicting.  Here,  under  certain  modi 
fications,  slavery  might  wear  the  appearance  of  political  jus 
tice  ;  it  would  resemble  in  some  measure  the  bondage  of  a 
felon  for  the  breach  of  a  municipal  law.  But  no  reason  what 
ever  can  be  given  that  will  be  satisfactory  to  a  virtuous  com 
munity,  such  a  community  as  is  necessary  to  the  support  of 
republican  institutions,  to  justify  kidnapping  the  Africans 
from  their  country,  or  continuing  their  bondage  here ;  a  race 
that  had  done  us  no  injury,  and  were  too  remote,  as  well  as 
too  weak,  to  give  us  offence.  Perhaps  some  will  concede  it 
was  unjust  to  take  them  from  their  native  shore,  yet  deem  it 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  101 

proper  to  hold  them  as  slaves  since  they  are  here,  believing 
their  masters  by  paying  adequate  considerations  for  their  per 
sons  are  justly  entitled  to  their  services.  But  the  continua 
tion  of  a  wrong  ought  not  to  make  it  a  right ;  nor  ought  the 
the  receiver  of  stolen  goods  to  consider  himself  more  innocent 
than  the  thief.  The  negro  has  a  right  to  his  liberty  if  he  has 
done  nothing  to  forfeit  it,  and  that  right  cannot  be  taken  away 
by  any  agreement  between  third  persons,  more  than  your 
agreement  with  your  neighbor  would  give  him  a  right  to  my 
services. 

It  has  been  said  of  the  negro,  as  the  Spaniards  insisted  of 
the  Indians,  that  he  is  inferior  in  nature,  and  unworthy  to 
rank  with  mankind ;  that  for  the  same  reason,  brutes  are  given 
to  the  dominion  of  man,  the  Africans  should  be  subject  to  his 
sway.  O  ye  fallible  dependents  on  heaven's  bounty !  do  ye 
arrogate  superior  privileges  because  ye  have  a  white  skin,  and 
view  with  uncharitable  contempt  the  untutored  negro  ?  With 
the  same  propriety  might  the  tree  of  the  fertile  vale  view  with 
contempt  the  shrub  of  the  sterile  hill ;  because  Providence  has 
been  unto  us  more  benign  than  to  others,  should  we  treat  them 
contumeliously  ?  Should  we  not  rather  endeavor  after  that 
amiable  perfection,  which  consists  in  doing  as  we  would  be 
done  unto,  and  as  God  bestows  on  us  superior  gifts,  consider 
ourselves  bound  to  make  superior  exertions  in  diffusing  hap-* 
piness  ?  Stormy  is  the  ocean  of  time.  It  foams  and  thunders 
under  the  rude  tempests  of  destiny.  On  its  waves  empires 
are  seen  rising  upon  empires,  and  disappearing  in  oblivion. 
Here  Africa  is  long  benighted ;  there  Asia  roves  in  bewilder 
ing  twilight;  Egypt,  long  the  seat  of  science,  is  buried  in 
darkest  ignorance.  The  capital  of  Semiramis  and  Cyrus  can 
scarce  be  found.  Greece,  the  improver  of  science,  the  land  of 
heroism,  poetry  and  philosophy,  has  ceased  to  enliven  the 
social  circle.  Yes,  she  who  conquered  and  civilized  mankind, 
is  a  wretched  Turkish  province.  Italy  has  twice  rolled  in 
light,  and  twice  in  darkness.  France,  Germany  and  England 
at  length  emerge  from  the  gloom  of  ages,  and  bask  in  the  rays 
of  science.  Strange,  the  nations  most  perfectly  white,  should 
be  the  last  to  be  attracted  by  her  charms !  Strange,  that  the 


102  THOMAS   HEDGES   GVNIN. 

negroes  we  affect  to  despise,  were  the  first  learned  people,  and 
that  letters  are  chiefly  indebted  to  the  swarthy  race !  If  Dio- 
dorus  Siculus,  Lucian  and  Strabo  have  not  erred,  the  first 
written  language  was  borrowed  from  the  Ethiopians,  with 
many  of  the  improvements  that  contributed  to  the  boasted  ex 
altation  of  their  neighbors.  Theirs  was  the  glory  of  Egyptian 
Thebes,  which  Homer  dignifies  with  the  appellation  of  "  Em 
press  of  the  world."  The  same  author,  to  compliment  them, 
probably,  for  their  superior  accomplishments,  makes  Thetis 
say,  in  Iliad,  Book  i. 

The  sire  of  gods,  and  all  th'  ethereal  train, 
On  the  warm  limits  of  the  farthest  main  ; 
Now  mix  with  mortals,  nor  disdain  to  grace 
The  feasts  of  Ethiopia's  blameless  race. 
Twelve  days  the  powers  indulge  the  genial  rite, 
Keturmng  with  the  twelfth  revolving  light, 
Then  will  I  mount  the  brazen  dome  and  move 
The  high  tribunal  of  immortal  Jove. 

And  Iris  in  Iliad,  Book  xxm. 

I  haste  to  go 

To  sacred  ocean  and  the  floods  below ; 
E'en  now  our  solemn  hecatombs  attend, 
And  heaven  is  feasting  on  the  world's  green  end 
With  righteous  Ethiops  (uncomipted  train) 
Far  on  th'  extremest  limits  of  the  main. 

As  the  ancients  believed  the  torrid  zone  to  be  uninhabitable, 
and  the  Ethiopians  occupied  the  perpetually  green  country  in 
its  vicinity,  our  author  considers  them  on  the  end  of  the  world ; 
thus  identifying  the  situation  of  Ethiopia.  Whence  we  may 
infer  the  complexion  of  its  people.  They  were  the  instructors 
of  the  Egyptians,  and  the  Egyptians  of  the  Greeks.  It  was  a 
saying  among  the  latter  that  letters  were  given  to  men  by  the 
gods;  perhaps  Homer  traced  them  to  the  Ethiopians,  and 
thence  inferred  that  these  people  were  the  peculiar  favorites 
of  heaven.  "The  Ethiopians,"  says  Diodorus,  "conceived 
themselves  to  be  of  greater  antiquity  than  any  other  nation 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  1Q3 

upon  earth,  and  assert  that  with  them  originated  philosophy 
and  the  science  of  the  stars.  Their  situation  certainly  is  infi 
nitely  favorable  to  astronomical  observation,  and  they  have  a 
more  accurate  division  of  the  months  and  year  than  other 
nations;  born  under  the  sun's  path,  its  warmth  may  have 
ripened  them  sooner  than  other  men ;  they  suppose  themselves 
to  be  the  inventors  of  divine  worship,  of  all  religious  practices 
and  solemn  assemblies.  They  have,  like  the  Egyptians,  two 
species  of  letters,  hieroglyphics  and  the  alphabet ;  but  among 
the  Egyptians  the  first  was  known  only  to  the  priests,  and  by 
them  transmitted  from  father  to  son,  whereas  ~botli  species  are 
common  among  the  Ethiopians"  "The  Ethiopians,"  says 
Lucian,  "  were  the  first  who  invented  the  science  of  the  stars 
and  gave  names  to  the  planets,  not  at  random  and  without 
meaning,  but  descriptive  of  the  qualities  which  they  conceived 
them  to  possess ;  and  it  was  from  them  that  this  art  passed, 
yet  in  an  imperfect  state,  to  the  Egyptians." 

Travellers  have  remarked  that  the  appearance  of  the  Sphinx 
and  other  antique  images  of  Thebais  resemble  the  negro  ;  and 
it  is  incontrovertible  that  by  the  term  Ethiopian,  the  ancients 
designated  a  people  of  black  complexion,  thick  lips  and  woolly 
hair.  Ptolemy  and  Pliny  speak  of  the  Leucethiopes  as  a  peo 
ple  less  black  than  the  Ethiopians.  Sappho  the  poetess,  among 
other  arguments  to  recall  her  white  lover,  tells  him,  although 
she  is  brown, 

"  An  Ethiopian  dame, 

Inspired  young  Perseus  with  a  generous  flame, 
Turtles  and  doves  of  different  hues  unite, 
And  glossy  black  is  paired  with  shining  white. 

Whereby  it  not  only  appears  that  the  Ethiopians  were  much 
darker  than  herself,  but  that  prejudice  against  color  was  not 
then  so  prevalent  as  it  has  since  become,  as  open  professions 
of  love  were  made  between  those  of  different  complexions. 
Solomon  seems  to  consider  it  a  mere  deficiency  in  beauty. 
He  makes  his  swain  say,  "  I  am  black  but  comely,  O  ye  daugh 
ters  of  Jerusalem,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as  the  curtains  of 
Solomon."  The  inhabitant  of  Guinea,  of  another  taste,  ad 
mires  the  deepest  jet  as  the  most  beautiful  color.  The  Indian 


104:  THOMAS   HEDGES    GENIN. 

of  America  is  pleased  with  the  redness  of  his  complexion ! 
The  inhabitant  of  ~New  Zealand  views  with  pride  the  tattoos 
or  pricks  made  in  his  skin.  The  Otaheitan  sees  many  graces 
in  an  artificial  mouth  ;  the  Peruvian  in  a  flat  head ;  the  High 
land  Scot  in  a  plaid  and  bonnet ;  the  Turk  in  an  ample  pair 
of  breeches,  long  beard,  and  shaved  head.  The  ladies  of  the 
civilized  and  the  Indians  of  the  uncivilized  world,  paint  their 
faces.  All  these  modes  are  considered  excellencies  by  their 
respective  votaries.  How  various  is  the  taste  of  man !  How 
happy  that  every  people  are  satisfied  with  themselves  ? 

It  is  not  marvellous  that  people  remote  from  each  other  in 
appearance  or  distance  should  entertain  great  prejudice  in 
favor  of  themselves,  or  that  avarice  should  take  advantage  of 
that  prejudice  to  accomplish  execrable  purposes.  We  perpet 
ually  see  the  vulgar  everywhere  decrying  their  neighbors, 
magnifying  the  glory  of  their  own,  and  depreciating  that  of 
other  nations  that  cannot  give  offence  with  their  colors.  It  is 
a  remnant  of  depravity  which  a  little  knowledge  of  the  world, 
and  a  moderate  degree  of  reflection,  will  easily  overcome. 

The  vast  difference  between  the  customs  and  appearance  of 
the  African  nations  and  those  of  our  own,  has  induced  the 
simple  among  us  to  consider  themselves  as  superior  as  that 
difference  is  great ;  while  the  simple  among  the  Africans,  for 
the  same  reasons,  may  pay  the  same  compliment  to  them 
selves.  There  can  be  no  dissimilarity  between  the  white,  the 
black,  the  red  or  brown  men,  but  their  color,  and  the  habits 
into  which  they  have  respectively  fallen  ;  and  as  each  believes 
his  own  color  and  habits  the  best,  who  shall  decide  that  one 
is  superior  to  the  other  in  nature ;  or  that  the  same  principles 
of  justice  are  not  applicable  to  all  ?  The  Africans  as  little 
deserve  our  tyranny  as  we  their  adoration,  or  that  government 
praise  which  suffers  the  oppression.  If  there  be  any  merit  in 
giving  the  first  hint  toward  improving  our  nature,  or  giving 
the  original  impulse  to  the  ball  of  science,  though  its  magni 
tude,  velocity  and  splendor  be  increased  by  the  exertions  of 
succeeding  generations,  the  negro  may  claim  that  merit,  and 
instead  of  praying  to  live  unabused,  demands  the  gratitude  of 
mankind. 


PROSE  WRITINGS.  105 

The  wise  fathers  of  our  liberties  have  acknowledged  that 
"  it  is  a  self-evident  truth  that  all  men  are  created  equal ;  that 
they  are  endowed  by  their  Creator  with  certain  unalienable 
rights ;  that  among  these  are  life,  liberty  and  the  pursuit  of 
happiness."  Is  it  possible  that  the  whole  negro  race  can  have 
forfeited  their  rights  by  infringement  of  ours  ?  How  long  will 
we  continue  to  abuse  justice  and  insult  reason,  by  distributing 
these  rights  unequally  ?  Shall  it  be  said  our  superior  bliss, 
our  civil  and  religious  liberty,  were  given  to  show  the  hypoc 
risy  of  our  profession,  and  how  undeserving  we  could  prove 
of  heavenly  favor  ?  The  justice  of  the  principle  for  which  we 
contend  was  admitted  in  Spain ;  even  by  that  privy  council, 
whose  consciences  \vere  so  flexible,  till  the  rude  tempest  of 
hell,  stirred  by  avarice,  rushed  forth  inexorably  in  Ferdinand's 
decree — blasting  the  fair  flowers  of  humanity ;  snatching  the 
scale  from  the  hand  of  justice  ;  stifling  her  voice,  and  filling 
heaven  with  prayers  of  innocence  distressed. 

The  excuses  offered  in  favor  of  slavery  are  lame.  Their 
miscreated  front  cannot  face  the  light  more  than  smoke  can 
withstand  the  whirlwind,  or  the  pine  resist  heaven's  forked 
bolts.  They  travel  on  the  bridge  of  prejudice ;  Avarice  by 
their  side  supports  their  tottering  gait.  Haughty  Indolence 
and  Tyranny  look  upon  them  with  concern  as  they  pass, 
trembling  to  behold  the  sandy  foundation  on  which  they 
stand.  Religion  upon  them  scowls,  Reason  sneers,  and  Wis 
dom  turns  from  them  with  contempt.  The  same  reasons, 
urged  by  our  own  countrymen,  have  been  applied  against 
liberating  the  Christian  slaves  of  Algiers.  These  polite  and 
humane  people,  it  may  reasonably  be  supposed,  possess  a  great 
similarity  of  feeling  and  sentiment  to  the  slaveholders  of  this 
country.  This  is  the  Algerine  speech  by  Sidi  Mehemet  Ibra 
him — it  was  against  granting  the  petition  of  the  erika  or 
purists,  who  prayed  for  the  abolition  of  slavery  as  unjust : 

"Allah  Bismillah.  God  is  great,  and  Mahomet  is  his 
prophet.  Have  these  erika  considered  the  consequences  of 
granting  their  petition  ?  If  we  forbear  to  enslave  the  Chris 
tians,  who  in  this  hot  climate  will  cultivate  our  lands,  and 
wait  upon  our  families  ?  Must  we  not  then  be  our  own  slaves  ? 


106  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENDT. 

and  is  not  more  compassion  due  to  us  Musselmans  than  to  those 
Christian  dogs  ?  We  have  now  50,000  slaves  about  Algiers. 
If  we  discontinue  their  slavery  our  lands  will  be  uncultivated, 
and  our  property  will  sink  one  half  in  value — and  for  what  ? 
To  gratify  the  whim  of  a  whimsical  sect.  And  will  they  in 
demnify  their  masters  for  the  loss  ?  can  they  do  it  ?  or  in  doing 
what  they  think  justice  to  the  slaves,  will  they  do  greater  in 
justice  to  their  owners  ?  "Will  the  State  do  it  ?  And  if  we 
free  our  slaves,  what  is  to  be  done  with,  them  ?  Few  will  re 
turn  to  their  native  country — they  know  too  well  the  greater 
hardships  they  would  there  be  subject  to.  They  will  not  em 
brace  our  holy  religion,  nor  adopt  our  manners.  Our  people 
will  not  pollute  themselves  by  intermarrying  with  them.  Must 
we  maintain  them  as  beggars  in  our  streets,  or  suffer  our  prop 
erty  to  be  the  prey  of  their  pillage  ?  For  men  accustomed  to 
slavery  will  not  work  for  a  livelihood  when  not  compelled. 
And  what  is  so  pitiable  in  their  present  condition?  Were 
they  not  slaves  in  their  own  countries  ?  Even  England  treats 
her  sailors  as  slaves ;  they  are  condemned  to  work  and  fight 
for  small  wages,  and  are  not  fed  better  than  our  own  slaves. 
Is  their  condition  then  made  worse  by  their  falling  into  our 
hands  ?  No,  they  have  only  exchanged  one  servitude  for 
another,  and  I  may  say  a  better ;  for  here  Islamism  shines  in 
full  splendor,  and  they  have  an.  opportunity  of  learning  the 
true  doctrine ;  thereby  saving  their  immortal  souls.  In  their 
own  land  they  have  not  that  chance ;  sending  them  home, 
then,  would  be  sending  them  out  of  light  into  darkness. 

"  I  repeat  the  question :  What  is  to  be  done  with  them  ?  I 
have  heard  it  suggested,  they  might  be  colonized  in  a  distant 
land,  where  they  might  flourish  as  a  free  state ;  but  they  are 
too  ignorant  and  lazy,  if  colonized,  to  govern  themselves. 
While  serving  us  we  provide  them  with  every  thing,  and  they 
are  treated  with  humanity.  The  laborers  in  their  own  countries 
are,  as  I  am  informed,  worse  fed,  lodged  and  clothed.  Their 
condition  is,  therefore,  already  mended,  and  wants  no  further 
improvement.  Here  they  are  not  compelled  to  cut  one  an 
other's  Christian  throats,  as  in  their  own  countries.  If  these 
religious  bigots,  that  now  teaze  us,  have  freed  some  of  their 


PKOSE   WETTINGS.  107 

slaves,  it  was  not  humanity  that  moved  them  to  the  action,  it 
was  from  a  conscious  burthen  of  a  load  of  sins,  hoping  by  such 
sacrifice  to  be  excused  from  eternal  damnation.  How  grossly 
do  they  mistake  the  divine  Alcoran  !  Are  not  these  two  pre 
cepts,  to  quote  no  more  :  '  Masters,  treat  your  slaves  with  kind 
ness  ' — '  Slaves,  serve  your  masters  with  cheerfulness  and 
fidelity'  — clear  proofs  that  it  admits  of  slavery !  From  the 
same  sacred  book  we  learn,  that  God  has  given  the  world  to  us 
musselmans  as  fast  as  we  can  conquer  it  from  the  infidels.  Let 
us  then  hear  no  more  from  these  erika ;  this  wise  council  will 
doubtless  prefer  the  comfort  of  us  true  believers  to  these  Chris 
tian  dogs,  and  dismiss  their  petition." 

We  are  told  the  divan  came  to  this  resolution,  "  That  the 
injustice  of  enslaving  the  Christians  was  doubtful ;  but  that  it 
was  the  interest  of  Algiers  to  enslave  them  was  certain ;  there 
fore  let  the  petition  be  rejected." 

This  speech,  I  believe,  contains  all  the  objections  that  the 
imbecility  or  depravity  of  this  country  has  urged  against  negro 
freedom.  Their  refutation  would  be  the  refutation  of  our  own 
Algerines.  It  may  not  be  necessary  to  answer  them  respect 
ing  ourselves ;  as  the  most  stupid  person  among  us  can  easily 
perceive  that  he  ought  not  to  be  enslaved,  although  he  deems 
it  proper  to  enslave  others. 

As  this  speech  was  said,  to  have  been  delivered  in  the  year 
1687,  the  orator  could  not  have  had  the  example  of  St. 
Domingo  before  him,  where  emancipated  slaves  pursue  a  bet 
ter  course  of  moral  instruction  and  civil  legislation,  than  is 
pursued  in  many  States  of  Europe ;  and  have  proved  them 
selves  abundantly  diligent  in  defending  their  acquirements, 
and  preventing  new  aggressions ;  nor  the  example  of  some  of 
our  States,  where  reason  has  outrun  prejudice,  particularly 
New  York  and  Ehode  Island ;  where  emancipated  slaves  rival 
their  former  masters  in  wealth  and  industry ;  and  where  no 
evil  consequence  has  followed  their  admission  to  the  privileges 
of  freemen ;  save  that  some  misanthropists  may  have  mourned 
the  improvement  of  human  nature  as  the  wolf  laments  the  in 
vading  splendors  of  morn.  But  of  such  their  master,  Satan, 
has  reason  to  be  ashamed  ! 


108  THOMAS   HEDGES   GETOT. 

This  orator  seems  unacquainted  with  the  motives  of  human 
action.  "Where  there  is  no  incentive  to  exertion  it  is  folly  to 
look  for  industry.  It  must  be  extraordinary  generosity  in  a 
slave  to  make  that  exertion  for  the  benefit  of  his  master  (espe- 
pecially  if  he  be  cruel)  that  he  would  make  for  the  benefit  of 
himself;  hence,  in  every  country,  servants  and  slaves  are,  with 
very  few  exceptions,  considered  idle  by  their  employers  and 
masters.  But  because  they  will  not  labor  industriously,  when 
they  have  no  inducement,  does  it  follow  that  they  will  not  when 
they  have  ?  What  freeman  will  say,  Were  I  a  slave  I  should 
exercise  the  same  diligence  I  now  do  ?  In  his  present  state 
his  industry  is  considerably  augmented,  for  the  same  reason 
that  he  appears  a  nobler  being ;  for  pursuing  the  dictates  of 
his  own  wisdom,  it  is  necessary  that  he  think  before  he  act ; 
whereby  he  imperceptibly  enlarges  his  understanding  and 
ennobles  his  nature,  while  he  discovers  new  fields  of  industry. 

Those  who  ask  what  shall  be  done  with  them  if  they  be 
emancipated,  show  that  they  are  more  disposed  to  provide 
excuses  for  vice  than  incentives  to  virtue.  The  galled  jade 
winces.  The  timid  will  confound  difficulties  with  impossibili 
ties,  as  they  commingle  the  airy  shapes  of  disordered  fancy 
with  horrid  realities,  and  tremble  at  what  has  no  existence. 
The  opponent  of  a  plan  will  pretend  to  find  difficulties  in  its 
completion  that  do  not  exist.  It  was  once  feared  the  fleet  of 
Columbus  would  be  irrevocably  wrecked,  by  gliding  off  the 
end  of  the  world.  It  is  now  apprehended  by  some  fathers, 
that  if  the  condition  of  the  Africans  be  improved,  their  daugh 
ters  will  become  their  wives.  Our  Algerine  anticipated  no 
such  consequence ;  he  did  not  believe  his  brown  women  would 
be  enamored  of  the  Christians,  and  probably  he  formed  a  cor 
rect  opinion  of  their  taste — have  you,  kind  parents,  a  correct 
idea  of  the  taste  of  your  children  ?  Others  dread  they  should 
give  testimony  in  our  courts  ;  as  if  a  free  negro  was  less  sus 
ceptible  of  moral  impressions,  or  had  less  dread  of  the  penalties 
of  perjury,  than  a  white  man ;  or  as  if  a  jury  was  less  capable 
of  judging  of  the  credibility  of  one  than  the  other.  I  suppose 
these  set  high  value  on  their  abilities  ;  they  had  better  distrust 
their  understanding,  it  is  certainly  very  defective  ;  truth  will 


PEOSE   WETTINGS.  109 

not  change  her  garment  to  sit  upon  the  lips  of  the  African  ; 
she  will  sooner  disclaim  all  connection  with  those  who  assert 
it.  These  people  would  sustain  no  injury  if  they  were  to  think 
oftener  than  they  speak ;  read  the  Scriptures  with  better  in 
tentions';  and  pray  sincerely  that  prejudice  might  not  lead 
them  into  error. 

A  mode  of  disposing  of  the  negroes  'has  been  recommended 
by  a  Colonization  Society,  established  at  "Washington.  I  hope 
this  Society  was  intended  to  contract  the  empire  of  slavery, 
but  I  fear  it  will  perpetuate  and  extend  it.  If  there  be  two 
millions  of  blacks  at  present  in  the  United  States,  and  our 
population  double  in  twenty-five  years,  eighty  thousand  are 
annually  born;  all  our  resources  would  be  inadequate  to 
remove  this  amount  to  Africa  in  the  same  time.  Their  num 
bers,  therefore,  cannot  be  diminished  by  colonization  ;  although 
many  free  negroes,  who  probably  are  suspected  of  giving  danger 
ous  counsel,  and  many  who  are  aged  and  useless  to  their  mas 
ters  might  thereby  be  safely  stowed  away  in  Africa,  where 
they  would  not  alarm  tyranny,  nor,  in  their  decay,  be  burthen- 
some  to  those  who  feast  on  their  youthful  labors.  This  would 
suit  the  slaveholders,  if  the  Northern  States  would  share  in  the 
expense  of  the  transportation  !  No  place  on  our  own  continent 
ought  to  be  selected  for  a  colony  of  blacks,  lest  they  might 
prove  as  unpleasant  neighbors  as  the  Indians,  and  more  capable 
of  doing  harm.  If  there  was  ground  to  apprehend  that  the 
whites  might  become  openly  hostile  to  each  other,  there  must 
be  stronger  reason  that  hostility  will  exist  between  them  and 
the  blacks,  when  in  distinct  bodies  on  the  same  continent. 
Foreign  powers,  whose  best  weapon  against  us  is  the  creation 
of  domestic  difficulties,  would  not  be  idle  when  so  fair  an 
opportunity  for  mischief  presented. 

As  it  is  certain  that  the  negroes  will  ever  remain  among  us, 
it  is  easy  to  see  what  should  be  done  with  them.  They  should 
be  enlightened  and  formed  for  good  citizens.  Were  the  slave- 
holding  States  actuated  by  a  wise  policy,  they  would  not  long 
delay  to  adopt  a  plan  of  gradual  emancipation  and  instruction 
—which,  by  giving  hope,  would  prevent  insurrection ;  and, 
giving  freedom,  would  accompany  it  with  discretion  and  vir- 


110  THOMAS   HEDGES   G-ENIN. 

tue.  In  proportion  as  the  negroes  are  removed  from  the  pros 
pect  of  their  inferiority  and  disgrace,  they  will  partake  of 
human  dignity ; — they  who  have  been  rendered  callous  by  the 
lash  of  tyranny,  and  habitual  disrespect,  will  acquire  all  the 
tenderness  of  affection,  jealousy  of  reputation,  pride  of  excel 
lence,  and  fire  of  heroism.  When  they  can  reap  for  them 
selves  what  they  have  sown — when  they  can  obtain  the  rewards 
of  merit,  by  enjoying  the  immunities  of  power,  the  confidence 
reposed  in  talent,  and  the  honors  of  distinguished  virtue,  their 
industry  will  be  excited  to  display  all  the  greatness  of  the 
human  mind. 

They  very  imperfectly  understand  in  what  happiness  con 
sists,  who  pretend  it  exists  among  slaves.  Those  who  are 
satisfied,  though  justice  be  denied,  their  feelings  disregarded, 
and  their  reason  insulted,  can  certainly  enjoy  no  enviable 
contentment.  Neither  our  own,  nor  the  slaveholders  of 
Algiers,  I  apprehend,  would  be  so  delighted  with  masters  to 
provide  their  food  and  direct  their  actions,  as  not  to  pray  de 
voutly  for  liberation,  and  willingly  forfeit  the  opportunity 
of  basking  in  the  rays  of  Islamism  or  Christianity,  for  the 
enjoyment  of  liberty,  though  she  conducted  them  through 
her  groves,  and  they  quaffed  her  nectarine  streams  in  the 
ragged  attire  of  poverty.  But  why  is  it  asserted  that  slavery 
has  happiness?  that  degradation  is  exaltation?  Why  but 
that  conscience  stings,  growling  against  unjust  oppression 
and  audacious  wrong  ?  To  elude  the  relentless  lash  of  this 
wakeful  monitor,  the  recreant  tyrant  interposes  a  barrier  of 
absurdity  and  lies,  which,  while  it  confirms  the  prejudice  of 
the  weaker,  affords  the  wiser  a  momentary  respite  from  be 
holding  the  frightful  picture  of  their  hearts. 

The  futility  of  the  arguments  resorted  to  by  the  Algerines 
and  their  brethren  in  this  country,  tend  no  less  to  show  their 
similarity  of  feeling  and  interest  than  the  practice  of  Mahom 
etans  and  Christians,  notwithstanding  the  vast  difference 
in  their  faith  ?  Why  need  they  dispute  about  matters  of 
belief  and  principles  of  conduct,  when  they  agree  so  exactly 
in  what  is  deemed  the  truest  test  of  principle  in  their  prac 
tice  ?  Surely  you  think  those  travellers  foolish,  who,  unable 


PROSE   WHITINGS.  Ill 

to  see  or  taste  any  difference  iir  the  fruit  of  two  trees,  sadly 
cudgeled  each  other  because  one  insisted  that  the  tree  of  the 
fairest  appearance  was  not  of  the  same  nature  as  the  other. 
Christians,  embrace  the  Mahometans — the  dispute,  between 
you  has  become  unimportant.  Your  fruit,  by  which  your 
true  nature  is  known,  appears  to  be  the  same  !  Is  the  millen 
nium  approaching  or  receding  ?  The  lion,  it  seems,  may  lie 
down  with  the  lamb  in  vice  if  not  in  virtue. 

It  is  clear,  then,  that  color  can  give  neither  advantage  nor 
disadvantage,  nor  forfeit  the  rights  of  its  possessor.  That 
the  negro  is  not  inferior  in  nature  to  the  rest  of  mankind, 
and  consequently  is  entitled  to  all  the  privileges  we  can  justly 
claim ;  that  the  Africans  have  done  nothing  to  forfeit  their  natu 
ral  rights ;  that  there  is  no  just  political  reason  for  holding  them 
in  bondage  ;  and  that  their  servitude,  as  it  is  unjust,  is  a  dis 
grace  to  this  country.  The  truth  of  those  positions  may  be 
intuitively  seen,  unless  the  mind  be  deplorably  corrupted  by 
avarice  or  darkened  by  prejudice.  It  is  said  the  quiver  of 
argument  is  exhausted  in  vain  where  these  have  influence ; 
but  when  the  people  at  large,  in  whom  lies  the  power  of 
redressing  the  evil,  are  too  corrupt  to  obey,  or  too  prejudiced 
to  understand  the  voice  of  humanity  and  justice,  they  will 
be  as  incapable  as  unworthy  of  governing  themselves ;  they 
will  be  no  longer  the  source  of  power,  but  deservedly  the 
victims  of  tyranny.  It  is  hoped  a  time  will  speedily  come 
when  all  will  be  surprised  that  it  was  thought  necessary  to 
resort  to  the  present  arguments  to  undermine  slavery,  to  de 
molish  a  column  of  depravity  in  a  Christian  land  !  A  great 
people  flourishing  under  the  influence  of  republican  institu 
tions,  and  boasting  of  their  superior  felicity,  should  not  long, 
out  of  gratitude  to  God  and  respect  to  themselves,  neglect  to 
do  justice  to  the  Africans.  They  should  remember  that  their 
injustice  renders  those  blessings  a  reproach ;  that  their  gov 
ernment  has  no  solid  basis  but  the  virtue  of  the  nation ;  that 
one  vice  leads  to  another ;  that  the  slaveholders  cannot  be 
strictly  moral,  for  they  must  partake  of  the  degradation  of 
their  slaves ;  they  cannot  be  republicans,  they  cannot  be 
Christians,  nor  can  they  be  happy.  Happiness  is  not  the 


112  THOMAS   HEDGES 

companion  of  the  unjust ;  dignity  communes  not  with,  vice, 
nor  republicanism  with  tyranny.     Are  there  republicanism 
and  despotism  under  the  same  government  ?      A  kingdom 
divided  in  itself  shall  fall.     "Will  a  petty  tyrant,  who  holds 
property  by  virtue  of  power  (not  by  virtue  of  justice),  be  in 
general  a  good  member  of  that  society,  the  purity  of  whose 
laws  and  whose  existence  depends  on  the  virtue  of  its  mem 
bers  ?     Will  rights  be  equally  distributed  by  any  but  such  as 
love  justice  and  equality  ?     Those  in  the  habit  of  oppressing, 
or  arbitrarily  directing  their  slaves,  imperceptibly  lose   all 
respect  for  their  equals.     As   avarice   usurps   the  place   of 
equity,  they  despise  their  inferiors  in  wealth,  and  are  regard 
less  of  the  means  of  gratification,  rushing  over  the  throne  of 
justice,  virtue  and  religion,  to  enjoyment.     As  pride  usurps 
the  place  of  wisdom,  their  minds  are  weakened  by  the  in 
dulgence  of  passion,  and   that  meekness  is  banished   from 
their  hearts,  which  is  the  parent  of  greatness.     They  become 
little  men  and  great  devils.     Habitual  tyranny  assumes  pirat 
ical  manners.      The   slaveholder  disregards  the  feelings   of 
others  ;  is  insolent  to  the  poor.     From  the  usurpation  of  the 
rights  of  negroes  he  finds  the  transition  to  the  usurpation  of 
the  rights  of  others  not  difficult,  as  both  can  be  done  with 
the  same  conscience.     The  barrier  of  modesty  restrains  wan 
tonness,  so  the  sanctity  of  right  restrains  usurpation.     It  is 
with  the  former  as  the  latter,  when  a  breach  is  once  made 
their  influence  ceases ;  and  he  who  keeps  the  African  in  bond 
age  would  do  the  same  with  his  own  countrymen  were  it  in 
his  power.     That  he  does  not  do  it,  thank  heaven  and  the 
laws ;  but  that  he  has  the  disposition  to  do  it  may  be  easily 
discovered  in  his  deportment.     The  impolicy  of  continuing 
slavery  is  obvious.     Will  we  nourish  a  viper  in  our  bosom 
which,  while  it  stings  us,  offends  God  ?     The  example  set  by 
this  society  of  devotion  to  the  cause  of  emancipation,  will  not 
be  useless.     Those  who  deserve  prosperity  will  not  be  called 
in  vain  to  the  assistance  of  virtue.    The  dark  cloud  of  Slavery 
that  hovers  over  our  land,  showering  blood,  disgracing  our 
name,  and  threatening  to  hide  the  benign  countenance   of 
heaven,  or  clothe  it  with  devouring  vengeance,  will  dissolve 


PROSE   WETTINGS.  113 

in  tears  of  joy ;  majestic  virtue  and  consoling  religion 
brighten  like  the  flowery  plain  at  the  approach  of  the  rosy 
morn,  when  the  propriety  of  holding  our  fellow-men  in  bond 
age  is  universally  and  seriously  examined. 

O  Slavery !  thou  fiend  of  the  night  of  ignorance !  thou 
shelterest  thyself  under  the  lies  of  avarice ;  but  its  deceits 
cannot  conceal  thee.  The  sun  of  reason,  revelation  and  jus 
tice  displays  thy  deformity  to  human  eyes.  Virtue  draws 
her  sword  against  thee.  Insulted  heaven  points  at  thy  gorgon 
head  its  thunders.  Hell  will  mourn  ;  Heaven  will  rejoice  at 
thy  fall.  Thy  votaries  shall  learn,  though  late,  that  its  for 
bearance  was  not  acquiescence.  When  divine  vengeance  is 
tardy  its  severity  is  increased.  Thou  disgracest  mankind. 
Thou  writest  inconsistency,  cruelty,  misanthropy  and  irre- 
ligion  on  the  American  name.  Thou  dost  bury  States  in  in 
dolence.  For  thy  support,  those  who  attempt  to  enlighten 
the  mind  are  deprived  of  day.  Savannah  inflicts  stripes  and 
fines  on  such  as  instruct  thy  victims,  for  thou  art  hostile  to 
knowledge.  Thou  art  indeed  a  companion  of  darkness.  For 
thee  Africa  laments  the  murder  of  millions  of  her  sons  and 
daughters  fallen  in  factious  war,  or  voluntarily  buried  in 
ocean's  deeps,  that  the  billows  more  friendly  than  Christian 
arm  might  mingle  their  lifeless  corses  with  the  sands  of  their 
native  shores,  whence  they  were  untimely  and  cruelly  snatched 
away,  no  more  to  behold  the  scenes  of  early  delight,  their 
pleasing  homes  and  relations  dear.  Yes,  Slavery,  thy  path  is 
blood,  thy  breath  is  sorrow,  thy  food  is  iniquity ;  memory  is 
burdened  with  thy  evils,  and  fancy  sickens  at  thy  horrors. 


114  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENES'. 


ADVANTAGES  OF  BANKING.* 

I  herewith  send  you  two  dollars,  the  sum  you  once  chari 
tably  gave  me,  when  I  approached  you  as  a  beggar ;  accept  it, 
and  my  best  wishes.  I  will  now  tell  you  how  my  condition 
was  made  better.  You  recollect  I  used  to  sing  patriotic  songs, 
from  which  you  may  have  inferred  that  I  was  a  patriot  so 
true,  as  to  be  unwilling  to  make  a  fortune  at  the  expense  of 
my  country — and  that  was  the  case  ;  but  remember  that  hu 
man  nature  is  weak,  and  temptation  strong  ;  placed  between 
interest  and  patriotism  it  grieved  me  that  my  own  good  was 
not  the  good  of  the  public.  Self  at  length  prevailed.  I  spoke 
to  an  engraver  to  make  me  $100,000  of  bills,  or  bank  paper, 
for  which  I  was  to  pay  him  $200,  half  in  hand,  the  remainder 
in  two  years.  It  was  not  easy  to  pay  the  first  $100 — as  you 
may  see  from  the  means  employed  to  raise  the  money.  I  sold 
my  rifle-gun  for  $20,  and  hired  my  son  Tom  to  neighbor 
Mosely,  to  attend  mason  for  six  months  for  $30,  which  that 
generous  man  paid  in  advance.  I  borrowed  $5  of  Mr.  Cob 
ble,  the  ditch-digger,  for  which  my  wife  was  to  make  his 
negro  man  two  straw  hats ;  my  friend  Hobble,  generously 
lent  me  $10  in  consideration  that  my  wife  would  spin  tow  for 
him  the  next  winter.  All  the  clothes  of  my  family  that  could 
be  spared,  including  my  short  breeches,  sold  for  $20.  There 
being  yet  $15  wanting,  I  persuaded  Molly  to  sell  our  bed,  to 
which  she  rather  hesitatingly  assented  (it  being  then  six  years 
since  she  had  been  accustomed  to  lie  on  the  floor  upon  straw). 
This,  together  with  the  bedstead  and  one  sheet  and  blanket, 
produced  $16.  Thus  by  bereaving  myself  of  everything  I  pos 
sessed,  even  pledging  the  future  labor  of  my  son  and  wife, 
the  $100  was  raised,  and  paid,  and  the  bills  struck  oif. 

I  next  thought  of  a  charter,  though  I  despaired  of  obtaining 
it,  when  I  recollected  there  were  none  of  my  friends  at  court ; 

*  This  paper  was  written  in  1819,  tlie  Author  being  then  but  twenty-three 
years  of  age.  It  appeared  in  the  Philanthropist  for  September  5th,  the 
same  year.  It  was  written  in  the  form  of  a  letter  addressed  to  "  Pleuron," 
and  appeared  over  the  signature  of  "  Money-shadow."  Later  in  life,  he  was 
led  to  modify  the  views  here  put  forth. 


PEOSE   WETTINGS. 

the  lawyer  Thawokumstavey  had  given  me  pleasant  ideas  of 
the  privileges  of  incorporated  bodies :  that  they  could  not 
die,  that  they  could  only  be  attached  by  their  property,  which 
I  believed  they  might  secrete,  and  thus  do  roguishly  with  im 
punity.  1  was  convinced  that  a  chartered  bank  had  decided 
advantages  over  an  association,  or  an  individual ;  for  I  pay 
special  attention  to  the  safety  of  the  person,  which  is  not  easily 
concealed,  as  every  man  carries  a  phiz  of  his  own,  while  prop 
erty  has  the  same  countenance  in  every  man's  pocket.  If  you 
meet  a  dollar  in  the  ale-house,  though  he  was  actually  con 
cealed  there  to  avoid  his  creditors,  he  will  show  no  symptoms 
of  guilt,  nor  denote  by  his  name  to  whom  he  justly  belongs  ; 
which,  when  I  was  a  beggar,  I  often  wished  was  the  case  ;  for 
I  very  rationally  concluded  that  it  would  make  the  pockets  of 
many  gentlemen  too  noisy  to  be  carried  far.  The  improba 
bility  of  success  made  me  decline  attempting  to  get  a  charter, 
and  I  sallied  forth  on  my  own  responsibility,  which  I  have 
just  described.  I  caused,  with  more  modesty  than  many  a 
worse  bank  than  mine  has  shown,  my  notes  to  be  drawn  pay 
able  in  the  current  paper  of  the  country. 

Immediately  011  the  receipt  of  the  first  package  from  the 
engraver,  I  took  horse  and  saddlebags,  went  into  different 
towns,  bought  some  goods,  made  some  exchanges  of  paper, 
and  succeeded  in  employing  some  agents  to  vend  my  paper. 
To  make  a  long  story  short,  I  presently  had  the  whole  of  my 
bills  in  circulation  ;  many  drafts  were  early  made  upon  my 
bank,  which  I  always  met  with  the  current  paper  of  banks  as 
destitute  of  specie  as  my  own.  It  was  not  long  after  my  bank 
went  into  operation,  before  I  boasted  of  having  specie  enough 
in  its  vaults  to  answer  all  demands. 

The  interest  which  the  public  obligingly  pays  me  for  the 
same,  amounts  to  $6,000  per  year  ;  this  sum  will  content  me, 
unless  the  community  prove  refractory ;  in  that  case  I  may 
determine  to  let  my  paper  die  in  their  hands.  I  am  as  much 
surprised  as  you  can  be,  that  the  people  pay  me  this  tax,  for 
the  sake  of  valuing  their  property  10  instead  of  4,  and  seeing 
themselves  occasionally  sacrificed  to  gratify  my  caprice  ;  but 
I  am  content  to  become  rich  if  they  are  to  be  poor.  You  need 


116  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN/ 

not  be  told  that  I  feel  consequential ;  for  the  adage  you  for 
merly  so  often  repeated,  "  Put  a  beggar  on  horseback  and  he 
will  ride  to  the  devil,"  probably  directs  your  judgment  yet. 
Without  denying  the  truth  of  this  proverb,  I  insist  It  ought 
not  to  be  applied  to  me,  for  two  reasons :  First,  that  our  bank 
ing  concerns  ought  not  to  be  in  the  hands  of  beggars.  Sec 
ond,  because  the  influence  I  have  over  the  fortunes  of  men,  is 
sufficient  to  natter  the  vanity  of  a-  prince  ;  if  for  amusement 
I  call  in  $40,000  or  $50,000,  the  land  around  me  will  not 
bring  half  its  former  price.  I  then  see  myself  invited  to  par 
take  of  good  dinners  ;  the  wealthiest  men  of  the  country  ap 
proach  me,  cap  in  hand,  begging  for  a  loan  as  earnestly  as  I 
besought  you  for  the  said  two  dollars  herewith  transmitted. 
Thus  you  see  it  is  in  my  power  to  buy  with  my  own  rags 
at  half  price,  all  the  land  over  which  my  influence  extends. 
I  lately  called  in  some  thousands  for  fear  of  a  draft  from  the 
United  States  Bank,  and  if  the  sheriff,  at  the  next  court,  does 
not  return  on  many  executions,  "not  sold  for  want  of  bid 
ders,"  I  am  much  mistaken  ;  for  the  appraisers  seldom  think 
that  land  must  be  valued  according  to  the  amount  of  money 
in  circulation  ;  and,  although  I  have  withdrawn  from  circula 
tion  half  of  my  paper,  they  will,  I  doubt  not,  appraise  as  high 
as  they  would  have  done  a  year  ago.  It  is  unnecessary  to 
inform  you  with  what  facility  I  replaced  my  bed  and  short 
breeches,  and  paid  the  remainder  of  my  debt  to  the  engraver. 
This  can  be  imagined  easier  than  described ;  nor  need  I  tell 
you  that  I  have  commanded  my  children  to  refrain  from  vul 
gar  company,  and  look  to  their  rank.  If  you  could  see  my 
son  Thomas,  who  contributed  as  above-stated  towards  collect 
ing  the  aforesaid  $100,  you  would  wish  he  was  your  own. 
Indeed,  my  whole  family  are  greatly  altered.  My  wife  is  no 
longer  a  companion  of  the  common  people,  and  she  intends 
some  time  or  other  to  learn  to  read.  I  shall  soon  be  capable 
of  reading  the  Bible  myself,  and  in  my  next  letter  I  presume 
I  shall  not  be  compelled  to  employ  an  amanuensis. 


PROSE   WRITINGS. 


ADDRESS 

Delivered  before  the  St.  Clairsville  Chemical  Society,  of  which  the  Author 
was  at  the  time  President,  February  25,  1821. 

To  obtain  a  knowledge  of  the  laws  which  govern  the  material 
world,  I  would  define  to  be  the  object  of  the  chemical  phi 
losopher.  "  Laws,"  says  Montesquieu,  "  in  their  most  general 
signification  are  the  necessary  relations  resulting  from  the 
nature  of  things.  In  this  sense  all  beings  have  their  laws ; 
the  Deity  his  laws ;  the  material  world  its  laws ;  the  intelli 
gences  superior  to  man  have  their  laws ;  the  beasts  their  laws ; 
and  man  his  laws."  "  As  we  see  the  world,  though  formed  by 
the  motion  of  matter,  and  void  of  understanding,  subsists 
through  so  long  a  succession  of  ages,  its  motions  must  certainly 
be  directed  by  invariable  laws ;  and  could  we  imagine  another 
world,  it  must  also  have  constant  rules,  or  must  inevitably 
perish."  "Thus  the  creation  which  seems  an  arbitrary  act, 
supposeth  laws  as  invariable  as  the  fatality  of  the  atheists.  It 
would  be  absurd  to  say  that  the  Creator  might  govern  the 
world  without  those  rules,  since  without  them  it  could  not 
subsist."  "  These  rules  are  a  fixed  and  invariable  relation. 
Between  two  bodies  moved  it  is  according  to  the  relations  of 
the  quantity  of  matter  and  velocity  that  all  the  motions  are 
received,  augmented,  diminished  or  lost ;  each  diversity  is  uni 
formity  ;  each  change  is  constancy."  "  Before  there  were 
intelligent  beings,  such  beings  were  possible ;  they  therefore 
had  possible  relations,  and  consequently  possible  laws." 

Man  subject  to  passion  and  pain,  as  a  physical  being,  is  like 
other  bodies  governed  by  invariable  rules,  but  in  proportion  as 
he  may  govern  himself,  he  is  liable  to  become  removed  from 
his  Creator.  Hence  the  necessity  of  religion  to  remind  him 
that  although  free  to  regulate  his  conduct,  yet  he  is  account 
able  for  his  deeds. 

It  has  not  been  determined  whether  brutes  are  governed  by 
the  general  laws  of  motion,  or  by  a  particular  movement.  It 
is  by  the  allurement  of  pleasure  that  they,  as  well  as  man, 
preserve  their  species.  They  have  natural  laws,  because  they 


118  THOMAS   HEDGES   GEJSTEST. 

are  united  by  sensations ;  yet  they  do  not  invariably  conform 
to  them.  "  These  laws  are  better  observed  by  vegetables,  that 
have  neither  intellectual  nor  sensitive  faculties."  In  propor 
tion  as  the  being  has  spontaneous  motion,  it  seems  liable  to 
deviate  from  the  course  of  nature.  The  material  world,  then, 
is  the  most  constant  and  most  subservient  to  the  laws  impressed 
by  the  Creator  from  eternity.  In  the  study  and  attainment 
of  a  knowledge  of  these  laws,  which  are  uniform  through  all 
the  diversity,  and  constant  through  all  the  changes  of  matter, 
we  gradually  "  look  through  nature  up  to  nature's  God  ;"  but 
it  must  be  our  doom  to  admire  rather  than  comprehend  the 
immense  magnitude  and  unlimited  divisibility  of  matter. 
The  sun,  planets  and  comets  of  our  system,  if  beheld  with  re 
gard  to  the  fixed  stars,  the  supposed  suns  of  other  systems, 
seem  like  a  family  collected  in  a  small  cabin  in  the  bosom  of 
a  vast  wilderness.  All  the  stars  that  sparkle  on  the  brow  of 
night  occupy  a  space  comparatively  small,  since  it  is  said  more 
stars  are  discovered  in  one  constellation  by  the  telescope  than 
the  naked  eye  perceives  in  the  whole  heavens. 

Descending  in  the  scale  of  nature,  we  find  a  like  gradation 
from  minute  objects  to  others  infinitely  more  subtile.  Where 
the  subdivisions  of  matter  terminate  is  undiscovered,  and  may 
ever  be  unknown ;  but  it  is  believed  they  have  a  termination, 
and  that  the  elementary  particles  of  bodies  are  solid,  uncom- 
pounded  and  incapable  of  change  by  nature  or  art.  From 
microscopical  observations,  animals  are  discovered,  thousands 
of  which,  assembled  in  one  mass,  could  not  be  discerned  by 
the  unassisted  eye ;  each  of  these  possesses  all  the  organs  of 
life,  and  propagates  its  kind.  From  the  inconceivable  minute 
ness  of  the  particles  of  light  that  penetrate  in  all  directions 
the  pores  of  transparent  bodies,  it  appears  that  the  subdivi 
sions  of  the  particles  of  matter  descend  beyond  the  power  of 
imagination  to  conceive ;  and  that  nature  is  inexhaustible  by 
man.  We  stand  then  amidst  infinity,  a  portion  of  which  we 
attempt  to  measure  with  finite  means ;  from  what  is  under 
stood  of  the  properties  of  matter  in  one  shape,  we  proceed  to 
exhibit  it  in  another,  certain  that  it  is  incapable  of  decay  and 
influenced  by  immutable  affinities. 


PEOSE   WETTINGS.  119 

"  Organic  forms  with  chronic  changes  strive, 
Live  but  to  die,  and  die  but  to  revive  ; 
Immortal  matter  braves  the  transient  storm  ; 
Mounts  from  the  wreck,  unchanging  but  in  form." 

The  fable  of  the  Phoenix  is  said  to  have  been  a  favorite  em 
blem  of  the  chemists. 

"  For  when  Arabia's  bird  by  age  oppressed, 
Consumes,  delighted  on  his  spicy  nest, 
A  filial  Phoenix  from  his  ashes  springs, 
Crown'd  with  a  star  ;  on  renovated  wings 
Ascends  exulting  from  his  funeral  flame 
And  soars  and  shines  another  and  the  same." 

The  carcass  of  the  man  or  brute  as  it  is  decomposed,  mingles 
with  such  parts  of  matter  as  attract  the  parts  disengaged  in 
the  process  of  decomposition.  Thus  the  means  that  consti 
tuted  the  goodly  frame,  the  temple  of  honor  and  ambition, 
would  be  surrendered  to  the  general  mass  of  matter,  whence 
they  had  been  taken  in  the  shape  of  food  and  respiration. 
Again  the  body  forms  a  part  of  the  inanimate  earth,  a  portion 
thereof 

Mingled  with  the  breeze  ; 

Flits  o'er  green  hills,  brown  vales  and  seas  ; 

Glides  in  the  stream,  blooms  in  the  rose  ; 

Rides  on  the  surge  or  in  the  tempest  blows. 

The  hydrogen  that  is  disengaged  from  the  dead  body,  hav 
ing  a  strong  affinity  for  oxygen,  would  probably  unite  with 
that  gas  and  fall  upon  the  earth  in  a  refreshing  shower ;  or 
should  it  combine  with  nitrogen  and  form  ammoniacal  gas, 
the  result  would  probably  be  the  same. 

Another  and  equally  potent  affinity  with  that  which  drew 
the  sexes  together  in  life,  when  they  displayed  beauty  and  in 
telligence,  unites  their  decomposed  bodies  with  the  kindred 
atoms  after  the  withering  tempest  of  death  has  blown.  But 
this  union  is  not  shackled  with  punctilious  calculations  of 
rank,  or  artificial  formalities.  The  affinity  is  felt,  and  the 
connection  is  complete.  How  oft  may  the  parts  of  the  slave, 


120  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

even  of  the  brute,  have  been  grappled  with  eager  force  by  the 
matter  that  was  once  a  constituent  part  of  a  body  before  which 
nations  trembled.  The  influence  of  pride  and  shame,  and  all 
the  caprices  of  the  mind  having  ceased  to  check  or  divert  them 
from  their  natural  road ;  they  silently  but  plainly  evince  the 
common  parentage,  and  eternal  equality  of  man.  In  him 
matter  is  exhibited  in  its  noblest  mould,  animated  for  a  time 
with  an  imperishable  spirit,  impressed  with  the  image  of  God- 
beaming  dignity,  and  endowed  with  faculties  to  explore  and 
comprehend  much  of  the  surrounding  creation.  What  pity 
he  should  nurse  or  yield  to  ungenerous  propensities,  become 
the  sport  of  passion  or  instrument  of  oppression  for  the  want 
of  a  moderate  knowledge  of  himself !  The  study  of  philosophy 
is  well  calculated  to  dethrone  our  pride,  to  temper  our  ambi 
tion,  and  increase  our  rational  enjoyment ;  it  leads  imper 
ceptibly  to  the  practice  of  virtue.  No  wonder  that  the  prince 
of  Latin  poets,  although  floating  on  the  full  tide  of  renown, 
solicits  to  repose  in  her  shade  : 

"  Give  me  the  ways  of  wand'ring  stars  to  know, 
The  depths  of  heaven  above  and  earth  below  ; 
Teach  me  the  various  labors  of  the  moon  ; 
And  whence  proceed  th'  eclipses  of  the  sun  ; 
Why  flowing  tides  prevail  upon  the  main, 
And  in  what  dark  recess  they  sink  again  ;. 
What  shakes  the  solid  earth  ;  what  cause  delays 
The  summer  nights  and  shortens  winter  days." 

"  Happy  the  man  who  studying  nature's  laws, 
Through  known  effects  can  trace  the  secret  cause  ; 
His  mind  possessing  in  a  quiet  state, 
Fearless  of  fortune  and  resigned  to  fate  ; 
Whose  mind  unmoved  the  bribes  of  courts  can  see  ; 
Their  glittering  baits  and  purple  slavery  ; 
Nor  hopes  the  people's  praise,  nor  fears  their  frown  ; 
Nor  when  contending  kindred  tear  the  crown, 
Will  set  up  one  or  pull  another  down." 

With  calmness  he  hears  the  thunder  above  and  enjoys  the 
storm.  He  finds  a  companion  in  inanimated  nature;  and 


TKOSE   WRITINGS.  121 

holds  converse  with  matter  in  its  various  forms.  The  water 
divested  of  its  caloric,  covering  the  world  in  the  shape  of 
snow,  with  dreary  beauty  gives  a  sober  pleasure  equally  with 
the  attractive  mildness  of  the  summer  stream.  He  views  the 
world  as  his  brother,  and  perhaps  with  the  amiable  Cowper, 
would  not  willingly  number  among  his  friends  the  man  that 
would  needlessly  set  foot  upon  a  worm,  considering  it  an  or 
ganic  form  like  himself  in  the  great  chain  of  being.  The 
oyster,  the  polypus  wThich  is  the  last  of  animals  and  the  first  of 
plants,  the  mimosa  or  sensitive  plant,  that  shrinks  at  the  touch, 
the  dionea  that  closes  its  leaves  if  a  fly  settles  upon  them,  and 
the  various  kinds  of  mosses  that  become  dried  in  summer,  but 
revive  in  winter,  and  which  seem  nearly  allied  to  matter,  to 
tally  inanimate — all  these  possess  the  necessary  organs  of  life 
variously,  but  fitly  disposed. 

The  distinction  of  sex  is  not  alone  confined  to  the  animal 
world ;  it  is  said  that  the  chief  merit  of  Linnseus  consists  in 
his  making  the  sexual  discriminations  of  plants  the  foundation 
of  his  system.  Before  his  time,  perhaps,  this  distinction  was 
not  generally  known  or  acknowledged.  He  rather  accepted 
than  discovered  the  fact,  that  plants  had  the  same  sexual  rela 
tions  as  animals ;  for  Herodotus  observes  that  the  Babylonians 
were  accustomed  to  transport  the  flowers  of  the  male  to  the 
female  palm-tree,  to  assist  the  operations  of  nature  in  the  pro 
duction  of  fruit.  Aristotle  and  his  pupil  Theophrastus,  and  in 
the  last  century  Hasselquist,  Kay  and  Millington,  and  Grew, 
the  author  of  the  Anatomy  of  Yegetables,  appear  to  have 
been  acquainted  with  the  sexes  of  plants.  The  last  named 
author  expressly  declares  that  every  plant  is  male  and  female; 
and  has  pointed  out  the  resemblance  and  offices  of  their  parts 
of  fructification  and  generation. 

,  The  philosophers  Plato  and  Empedocles  asserted  that  plants 
had  affections  or  passions,  and  some  modern  naturalists  as 
Ray,  Cardas,  Watson  and  Percival,  seem,  upon  close  inspec 
tion,  to  favor  that  opinion.  The  analogy  of  plants  with  ani 
mals  cannot  fail  to  be  interesting.  The  former  is  covered 
with  bark,  the  latter  with  skin.  Leaves  fall  at  certain  seasons, 
like  the  hair  of  animals  and  the  feathers  of  birds.  The  leaves 


122  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENES'. 

may  well  be  considered  as  the  lungs,  from  the  quantity  of  air 
they  are  known  to  absorb  and  exhale.  The  philosopher  then, 
it  may  be  supposed,  cannot  behold  plants  with  such  un neigh 
borly  air  as  those  who  know  less  of  their  nature  and  uses. 
While  he  views  the  innumerable  leaves  of  vegetables  waving 
in  the  breeze,  he  is  convinced  that  they  are  as  many  laborers 
constantly  purifying  the  air,  which  has  been  rendered  im 
pure  by  the  respiration  of  animals. 

"  For,  while  the  vegetable  tribes  inhale 
The  genial  moisture  from  the  parent  vale, 
Their  vegetating  organs  decompose 
The  salutary  compound  as  it  flows  ; 
Select  the  hydrogen  with  nicest  skill, 
And  mould  it  into  resin  at  their  will. 
The  oxygen,  abandoning  the  mass, 
Combines  with  heat  and  changes  into  gas  ; 
Which  from  its  inmost  cell  each  leaflet  pours 
In  vital  currents  through  its  myriad  pores  ; 
And  thence  by  vivifying  tempests  hurled 
From  pole  to  pole,  it  cheers  a  fainting  world." 

He  contemplates,  with  pleasure,  the  decomposition  of  the 
atmosphere  by  the  lungs  of  animals,  which  receive  from  the 
air  its  oxygen  and  caloric,  and  reject  its  injurious  properties, 
as  nitrogen  and  carbonic  acid  gas.  To  preserve  this  heat 
thus  taken  from,  perhaps,  a  freezing  air,  he  sees  the  hand  of 
a  wise  providence  affording  clothing  of  furs  and  wool,  which, 
being  bad  conductors  of  heat,  are  well  calculated  to  prevent 
its  escape.  The  Russians  clothe  themselves  with  fur  because 
it  is  a  worse  conductor  of  heat  than  wool.  Sheep  are  natives 
of  temperate,  bears  and  ermine  of  the  coldest  climates.  He 
admires  the  wild  variety  of  nature  on  beholding  those  animals 
that  are  not  furnished  with  the  means  of  taking  heat  from 
the  atmosphere,  change  from  hot  to  cold  with  the  medium 
they  inhabit,  and  contemplates  the  analogy  of  these  animals 
with  plants,  both  being  alike  dependent  upon  the  sun  for 
motion.  "  Frogs  have  been  frozen  so  as  to  chip  like  ice,  and 
yet  when  gradually  thawed  have  been  completely  reanimated." 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  123 

Man,  quadrupeds  and  whales  possess  the  means  of  taking 
caloric  from  the  atmosphere  through  lungs ;  "but  all  are  de 
pendent  upon  the  great  fountain  of  light  and  heat. 

"  Unseen  by  whom  had  nature  mourned  ; 
No  smile  her  Efchiop  cheek  adorned  ; 
Pale  night  had  spread  her  specter'd  reign, 
And  death-like  horror  ruled  the  scene." 

While  he  treads  upon  calcareous  mountains  he  feels  borne 
above  the  ocean  by  the  ruins  of  former  life. 

"  For  in  vast  shoals  beneath  the  brineless  tide, 
On  earth's  firm  crust  testaceous  tribes  reside. 
Age  after  age  expands  the  peopled  plain  ; 
The  tenants  perish,  but  their  cells  remain. 
Whence  coral  walls  and  sparry  hills  ascend 
From  pole  to  pole,  and  round  the  line  extend." 

Indeed,  he  who  is  familiar  with  nature  has  a  constant  and 
very  agreeable  companion ;  but  the  pleasure  cannot  be  com 
pared  with  the  utility  to  be  derived  from  chemical  science. 
It  not  only  gives  food  to  the  mind  for  delightful  contempla 
tion,  but  it  furnishes  the  stomach  and  the  pocket  with  sub 
stantial  fare.  Commerce  revives  at  her  approach ;  economy 
listens  to  her  precepts  with  high  expectations ;  life  itself 
rejoices  at  her  march.  She  points  out  the  noxious  gases, 
their  residence  and  their  antidotes.  She  fixes  beacons  in  the 
ocean  of  animation  by  which  life  may  avoid  the  dangers  that 
lurk  beneath.  She  is  the  friend  of  the  farmer  and  the  manu 
facturer,  and  of  most  mechanic  trades. 

The  researches  of  the  chemist  extend  to  all  material  bodies. 
The  matter  possessing  the  greatest  levity  and  the  greatest 
solidity  is  alike  subject  to  his  inquiries.  The  air  that  we 
inhale  and  the  food  that  nourishes  are  constantly  decomposed 
by  the  chemical  laboratory  of  the  body,  to  effect  changes  in 
which  how  greatly  are  medicine  and  pharmacy  dependent 
upon  the  assistance  of  chemistry.  A  physician  would  cer 
tainly  be  a  dangerous  operator  upon  the  system  unless  he 


124:  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

knew  the  chemical  affinities  of  the  medicine  administered. 
It  is  said  that  all  animal  and  vegetable  poisons  destroy  by  de 
oxidizing,  or  taking  the  oxygen  out  of  the  blood ;  while,  on 
the  contrary,  metallic  poisons  are  baneful  in  consequence  of 
carrying  a  superabundance  of  oxygen  into  the  blood.  There 
fore  substances  which  contain  a  large  portion  of  oxygen  are 
the  real  antidotes  to  animal  and  vegetable  poisons.  And 
those  substances  which  have  a  strong  affinity  for  oxygen,  but 
contain  none  thereof  in  themselves,  are  the  proper  antidotes 
to  mineral  poisons.  "  Many  thousand  lives  have  been  lost," 
says  Parks,  "  by  poison,  which  might  have  been  saved  if  the 
physician  had  been  in  possession  of  the  knowledge  which 
he  may  now  acquire  by  a  cultivation  of  chemical  science. 
And  though  the  operation  of  many  of  the  poisons  upon  the 
system  be,  in  these  days,  well  understood,  nothing  but  a 
knowledge  of  chemistry  can  enable  the  practitioner  to  admin 
ister  such  medicines  as  will  counteract  their  baneful  effects." 

The  farmer  is  also  peculiarly  interested  in  chemical  re 
searches.  Those  who  can  take  no  delight  in  understanding 
the  nature  and  properties  of  matter  in  its  various  forms,  will 
nevertheless  take  pleasure  in  the  contemplation  of  a  fruitful 
harvest  and  the  increase  of  their  wealth.  It  is  important  to 
know  the  relation  of  the  manure  to  the  soil  by  an  ampliza- 
tion  of  both.  It  is  said  by  the  same  author  that  "  some  kind 
of  lime  is  injurious  to  land,  and  will  render  land  hitherto 
fertile  sterile.  A  knowledge  of  chemistry  will  show  the  far 
mer  when  to  use  lime  slacked  and  when  unslacked,  and  how 
to  promote  the  putrefaction  process  in  his  composts,  and  at 
what  period  to  check  it,  to  prevent  the  fertilizing  particles  los 
ing  their  virtue.  It  will  teach  him  the  difference  in  the  prop 
erties  of  marl,  lime,  dung,  mud,  ashes,  alkaline  salt,  water," 
etc.  A  distinguished  chemist,  Lavoisier,  cultivated  two  hun 
dred  and  forty  acres  of  land  on  chemical  principles,  in  order 
to  set  a  good  example  to  the  farmers  ;  and  his  mode  of  cul 
ture  was  attended  with  so  much  success  that  he  obtained  a 
third  more  of  crop  than  was  obtained  by  the  usual  method, 
and  in  nine  years  his  annual  productions  doubled.  Butter 
and  cheese  and  their  preservation,  and  the  art  of  curing  and 


PROSE   WETTINGS.  125 

preserving  beef,  ham  and  bacon,  and  all  animal  and  vegetable 
substances,  are  dependent  upon  chemical  principles,  as  are 
the  arts  of  dyeing,  bleaching,  tanning,  glass-making,  print 
ing,  working  metals,  etc.  The  economy  with  which  the 
manufacturer  may  proceed  by  a  proper  knowledge  of  chem 
istry,  is  well  exemplified  by  the  fact  related  by  Parks,  that 
"  till  lately  the  makers  of  alum  bought  alkalies  of  every  de 
scription.  An  accurate  analysis  of  alum  has  now  discovered 
that  potash  and  ammonia  are  the  only  alkalies  which  enter 
into  the  composition  of  alum ;  and  consequently  that  large 
sums  have  been  expended  by  the  manufacturer  for  an  article 
of  no  use."  The  manufacturer  of  vinegar  may,  from  this 
science,  learn  to  oxygenize  his  liquids  in  the  shortest  time  and 
in  the  easiest  manner.  The  manufacturer  of  soap  may  ascer 
tain  the  quantity  of  alkali  the  substances  he  employs  contains, 
and  make  selections  of  the  substances  ordinarily  employed 
that  will  prove  most  profitable.  "He  will,"  says  Parks, 
"  learn  in  choosing  his  tallows,  how  to  avoid  those  which  con 
tain  a  large  portion  of  sebacic  acid,  which  require  much  more 
barilla  than  good  tallow,  and  yet  produce  less  soap.  He  will 
know  how  to  oxidize  common  oils  and  oil  dregs,  so  as  to  give 
them  consistence  and  render  them  good  substitutes  for  tallow. 
He  will  know  how  to  apportion  his  lime,  so  as  to  make  his 
alkali  perfectly  caustic,  without  using  an  unnecessary  quan 
tity  of  that  article.  He  will  be  aware  of  the  advantage 
which  may  be  derived  from  oxygenating  the  soap  while  boil 
ing.  A  knowledge  of  the  chemical  affinities  will  teach  him 
how,  at  a  cheap  rate,  to  make  as  good  and  as  firm  soap  with 
potash  as  with  the  mineral  alkali,  and  how  to  take  up  the 
heterogeneous  salts  so  as  to  give  the  alkali  full  opportunity 
of  combining  with  the  oils  and  tallows,  etc. ;  and  he  will 
know  how  to  make  use  of  the  waste  leys  so  as  to  decompose 
the  salts  which  they  contain,  and  convert  them  to  good  and 
servicable  alkali  to  be  used  in  future  operations."  Although 
the  pursuits  before  mentioned  may  prosper  without  chemical 
aid,  yet  they  cannot  advance  with  that  certain  success  and 
possible  economy  of  means  as  they  might  with  the  assistance 
of  chemistrv. 


126  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

It  has  properly  been  called  a  fascinating,  as  well  as  useful 
science.  Its  constant  application  to  everything  around  inces 
santly  exemplifies  its  beauty  and  utility.  While  others  sur 
vey  the  material  world  with  indifference  and  thoughtlessness, 
the  chemist  beholds  it  with  eager  curiosity,  drinking  from  the 
prospect  sweet  drafts  of  instruction.  To  him  only  is  the  full 
magnificence  of  creation  displayed.  What  has  been  said  of 
the  painter  may  truly  be  applied  to  the  chemist.  "  The 
volume  of  nature  is  laid  open  to  him;  his  attention  is 
directed  to  the  vast  and  to  the  minute ;  and  his  imagina 
tion  clings  to  perfection  with  ineffable  delight." 

The  philosopher,  and  especially  the  chemist,  has  but  little 
inducement  to  seek  the  company  of  frivolous  companions,  or 
to  haunt  the  circles  of  dissipation  to  supply  the  fleeting  hours 
with  enjoyment.  In  the  endless  variety  of  nature  he  may 
continually  and  unweariedly  enjoy  the  solid  grandeur  of- 
truth,  displaying  all  the  beauty  and  harmony  that  history  has 
related  or  poetry  imagined ;  for  this  unceasing  diversity  is 
not  the  monotony  so  happily  alluded  to  in  the  following  lines  : 

"  The  best  of  things  above  their  measure  cloy, 
Sleep's  balmy  blessing  loves  enduring  joy  ; 
The  feast,  the  dance,  whate'er  mankind  desire, 
E'en  the  sweet  charms  of  sacred  numbers  tire." 

As  the  variety  is  endless,  so  is  the  satisfaction.  But,  as  I 
before  intimated,  this  science,  as  connected  with  philosophy 
in  general,  leads  imperceptibly  to  a  knowledge  of  ourselves. 
"  Know  thyself,"  has  long  been  considered  a  saying  of  infinite 
importance.  Thales  the  Milesian  was  accounted  the  first 
among  the  ancients  who  taught  the  necessity  of  this  knowl 
edge.  The  doctrine  was  promulgated  by  his  successor ;  and 
the  precept  was  at  length  consecrated  in  golden  letters  at 
Delphos  over  the  door  of  the  temple  of  Apollo,  to  signify 
that  it  was  dictated  by  that  god.  Cicero  observes  that  the 
reason  of  its  being  supposed  to  be  divine  was  because  it  ap 
peared  to  possess  too  much  sentiment  and  wisdom  to  be  of 
human  origin.  It  is  owing  to  a  want  of  this  knowledge 
that  we  fall  into  the  greatest  of  our  errors.  If  we  properly 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  127 

knew  ourselves,  the  most  of  us  would  not  wander  abroad  to 
reform  others,  but  would  seriously  endeavor  to  effect  a  refor 
mation  in  ourselves.  We  should  more  willingly  watch  our 
own  than  the  faults  of  others.  This  aversion  to  see  our  own 
failings  is  thus  forcibly  expressed  by  some  one  of  the  ancients : 
"  Every  man  carries  a  bag  or  wallet,  one  end  hanging  before, 
the  other  behind  him.  Into  the  one  before  he  throws  all  the 
faults  of  his  neighbors,  and  into  that  behind  he  carelessly 
throws  his  own  faults ;  so  that  while  his  own  are  concealed 
he  keeps  the  foibles  of  others  constantly  in  view."  Though 
man  has  a  considerable  understanding  of  the -arts  and  sciences, 
a  want  of  this  knowledge  will  cause  him  to  be  proud  of  his 
attainments  and  of  himself.  Pope  judiciously  advises  to 
"  drink  deep,  or  taste  not  the  Pierian  spring ;"  for  shallow 
drafts  intoxicate  the  brain,  "  but  drinking  largely  sobers  us 
again."  A  divine  of  no  common  attainments  observes  that 
the  reason  why  great  scholars  are  generally  more  humble  than 
their  inferiors,  is  because  in  the  magnitude  of  their  acquire 
ments  they  usually  acquire,  with  other  things,  a  good  portion 
of  self-knowledge,  which  ballasts  their  understandings,  and 
enables  them  to  behold  themselves  in  a  proper  light. 

Upon  this  subject,  it  would  require  great  ingenuity  in  a 
person  of  mere  common  reading  to  say  anything  new  or  orig 
inal,  for  every  author  on  morals  or  religion  has  said  something 
in  favor  of  self-knowledge.  Pride  is  constantly  called  the 
child  of  self-ignorance.  Let  a  man  look  about  and  within 
himself,  and  he  will  find  enough  to  make  him  humble.  The 
self-knowledge  of  Socrates  was  brilliantly  displayed  in  the 
following  incident :  When  the  populace  were  about  to  stone 
a  physiognomist  for  asserting  that  Socrates  was,  if  he  could 
judge  from  his  countenance,  naturally  a  rogue,  the  philoso 
pher  calmed  their  rage  by  observing  that  it  was  true.  He 
was  naturally  a  rogue  ;  but  by  the  force  of  moral  precepts  he 
had  restrained  himself  from  the  commission  of  unworthy 
actions. 


128  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENII*. 


ESSAYS  ON  THE  PRESERVATION  OF  MOEALS.* 

NUMBER   ONE. 

THE  reader  of  history  lias  not  failed  to  observe  that  virtue 
and  liberty  have  always  existed  together,  and  that  the  ruin 
of  republics  begins  with  the  corruption  of  morals.  Those 
who  design  the  oppression  of  a  people,  tempt  their  virtue,  art 
fully  undermine  their  morals,  and  lull  them  "  with  lethargic 
charms."  Philip  of  Macedon  had  not  found  an  JEschines  in 
Athens,  nor  her  citizens  indifferent  to  the  warnings  of  De 
mosthenes,  had  they  not  been  corrupted  by  the  practices  of 
Pericles  and  his  unworthy  successors.  To  insure  the  favor  of 
the  Athenians,  Pericles  nattered  their  pride  and  gratified  their 
idle  desires,  from  the  public  treasury  :  he  gained  popularity  ; 
but  his  country  lost  her  strongest  support.  It  is  a  custom  to 
blame  individuals  (as  Pericles  in  this  case),  but  may  it  not  be 
correct  that  while  they  seek  favor  of  the  public,  their  acts  are 
the  echo  of  public  opinion,  and  the  mere  consequence  of  the 
principles  which  influence  the  main  part  of  the  community. 

Often  when  we  accuse  public  actors  of  corrupting,  their 
offence  consists  in  not  breasting  the  tide  of  corruption — an 
Aristides  seldom  appears.  Reason  yields  so  imperceptibly  to 
the  current  of  desire,  that  a  majority  of  any  people  receive 
favorably  what  affords  them  pleasure  without  laboring  to 
weigh  present  advantages  with  future  consequences.  Instead 
of  despising  the  man  who  flatters  their  vices  for  their  votes, 
they  permit  the  insult  to  their  judgment  to  bribe  their  affec 
tions.  From  suffering  themselves  to  be  bribed  by  a  shaking 
of  hands,  to  vote  for  a  worthless  candidate,  they  will  pres 
ently  allow  a  glass  of  whiskey  to  effect  the  same ;  and  at 
length,  that  sense  of  propriety  which  virtue  and  knowledge 
inspire,  is  so  blunted,  that  the  candidate  wounds  no  delicacy 
by  asking,  nor  the  voter  by  promising  a  vote.  This  inevit 
ably  leads  to  a  loud  and  empty  legislature,  whose  course  will 

*  These  Essays  were  first  published  in  the  Wheeling  Gazette,  in  1821, 
under  the  general  title,  "  Remarks  on  the  Necessity  of  Preserving  Morals, 
and  the  Causes  of  their  Decline." 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  129 

be  as  shameless  and  bold  as  the  means  which  its  members 
employed  to  procure  their  election.  A  member  who  buys 
votes,  no  matter  at  what  price  or  for  what  commodity,  may 
himself  be  bought.  If  he  is  mean  in  trifles,  he  is  doubly  so  in 
matters  of  importance.  From  a  legislature  composed  of  such, 
it  is  in  vain  to  expect  attention  to  public  morals.  Men  who 
would  rise  by  passing  themselves  upon  the  people,  as  a  coun 
terfeiter  passes  his  false  money,  will  not  be  desirous  to  pro 
mote  knowledge.  Their  legislative  acts  will  not  cross  their 
private  interest,  for  the  promotion  or  protection  of  morals. 

Such,  nevertheless,  correctly  represent  their  constituents. 
Did  ever  a  foolish  sovereign  choose  wise  counsellors  ?  Or 
will  a  people  who  look  kindly  upon  the  father  of  their  vices, 
elect  virtuous  representatives  ?  From  the  acts  then  of  a 
State's  representatives,  may  be  formed  a  correct  estimate  of 
the  morals  of  its  citizens.  The  mischief  begins  with  the  peo 
ple,  and  with  them  is  the  remedy.  To  men  interested  in  pro 
moting  ignorance  and  vice,  it  is  useless  to  point  out  the  dan 
gerously  demoralizing  tendency  of  their  measures.  It  is  to 
the  body  of  the  people  themselves,  that  argument  can  be  use 
fully  directed.  As  it  is  their  interest  to  preserve  and  perfect 
public  morals,  they  will  view  with  indignation  what  tends  to 
their  corruption.  "When  alarmed  at  the  consequences  of  their 
slumber,  they  will  say  :  Why  did  ignorance  invite  our  suffra 
ges,  but  because  we  gave  her  encouragement?  Why  did 
vice  have  the  impudence  to  ask  our  support,  but  that  when 
he  invited  us  to  prostitute  our  votes,  he  knew  to  whom  and 
what  he  was  speaking  ?  Let  us  nourish  then  that  respect  for 
knowledge  which  shall  lessen  the  confidence  of  ignorance,  and 
create  such  a  detestation  of  vice  and  impudence,  as  shall  com 
pel  men  to  approach  us  at  least  in  the  guise  of  virtue  and 
modesty.  Then  the  candidates  and  their  caterers  will  not 
dare  to  propose  a  bribe  in  any  shape,  nor  adopt  measures  de 
structive  of  morality,  when  elected.  This  must  lead  to  purity 
in  our  laws,  and  wisdom  in  our  councils  ;  for  a  very  different 
sort  of  men  from  those  who  thrust  themselves  into  every  one's 
way,  will  rise  to  view :  too  honest  to  blind  others  to  their  defects. 
They  will  have  no  inducement  to  promote  ignorance  and  im- 
9 


130  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENTN". 

morality,  to  preserve  their  places.  Cleanse  the  stream  in  its 
source,  else  look  not  for  purity  in  its  progress.  Send  bank 
rupts  to  the  legislature,  and  laws  unfavorable  to  the  collection 
of  debts  will  follow.  Elect  men  who  attempt  to  divest  the 
people  of  impartiality,  by  propagating  falsehood,  circulating 
whiskey,  begging  and  threatening,  and  if  laws  injurious  to 
morals  are  not  the  consequence,  it  will  be  owing  to  the  silence 
of  private  interest,  or  because  men  have  not  the  ability  to  dis 
cern  what  that  interest  demands. 

These  rules  have  exceptions.  There  may  be  an  honest  and 
patriotic  bankrupt,  and  there  may  be  men  who  employ  vile 
means  to  get  possession  of  a  post  which  they  occupy  with 
integrity,  when  obtained  ;  but  there  are  few  who  are  deaf  to 
the  persuasion  of  self-interest.  The  laws  of  Ohio  regulating 
the  collection  of  debts,  are  certainly  very  demoralizing  in 
their  tendency.  They  are  calculated  to  sow  the  seeds  of  dis 
honesty  beyond  their  own  limits,  whatever  the  motives  of 
their  authors.  Neighboring  States  may,  with  reason,  fear  the 
contagion  of  that  faithlessness  which  they  are  calculated  to 
nourish  and  defend  ;  and,  if  it  is  the  right  of  their  citizens,  it 
is  their  duty  to  expose  what  is  aimed  at  the  foundation  of 
republican  government — at  the  virtue  of  the  people,  for  all 
are  concerned  in  the  consequences.  All  should  resist  what 
tends  to  debase  good  morals,  even  in  the  domestic  circle  of  a 
single  family ;  how  much  more  should  we  feel  interested  when 
the  law-givers  of  more  than  five  hundred  thousand  citizens 
adopt  measures  that  cannot  fail  to  injure  the  shield  of  liberty. 
That  a  few  debtors  should  be  deprived  of  their  property,  is  a 
matter  of  little  importance  compared  with  the  demoralization 
of  a  people.  "  Laws,"  says  Montesquieu,  "  must  accord  with 
the  principle  of  the  government."  Yirtue  is  the  principle  of 
republican  government.  "When  laws  in  republics  tend  to 
weaken  this  principle,  they  hasten  the  dissolution  of  the  gov 
ernment. 

NUMBER  TWO. 

The  laws  of  Ohio  regulating  judgments  and  executions, 
provide  that  the  debtor  may  surrender  to  the  officer  such 
property  as  the  debtor  selects ;  if  it  be  personal,  it  must  not  be 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  131 

sold  but  for  half,  if  real,  for  two-thirds  of  its  appraised  value. 
If  no  sufficient  price  be  offered  on  the  day  of  sale,  personal 
property  may  be  returned  to  the  debtor  on  his  giving  security 
for  its  delivery  at  the  expiration  of  six  months.  This  may 
be  repeated  as  often  as  there  fails  to  be  purchasers  at  half  the 
appraised  value.  The  debtor  retains  possession  of  real  estate 
until  it  sells  at  two-thirds  of  its  appraised  worth.  The 
sheriff  or  constable  has  the  selection  of  the  appraisers,  and 
administers  the  oath,  which  he  may  do  at  the  end  of  every 
six  months,  in  the  same  case,  until  the  cost  of  the  mercy  of 
the  debtor  deprives  him  of  all  hopes  of  paying  his  debts,  and 
prevents  the  creditor  from  receiving  his  demands.  I  have 
said  the  cost  of  the  mercy  may  deprive  the  debtor  of  hope  to 
pay  his  debts.  I  wish  the  mercy  may  not  deprive  him  of  the 
disposition  to  pay  them.  There  are  few  who  have  not  seen  a 
fond,  simple  mother  attempt  to  prevent  the  correction  of  an 
offending  child,  and  know  her  to  be  rather  weak  than  wise  in 
so  doing.  A  legislature  does  not  act  with  more  prudence  that 
screens  folly,  extravagance,  presumption  and  roguery,  from 
the  wholesome  discipline  which  our  foolish  fathers  thought 
necessary  to  confine  the  visionary  speculator  in  the  bounds  of 
sober  utility ;  to  teach  the  man  of  pleasure  that  his  ease  ought 
not  to  deprive  industry  of  its  reward,  and  to  advise  roguery 
that  honesty  is  the  best  policy. 

The  appraisement  of  debtors'  property  is  often  such  as  to 
render  the  judgment  unavailing ;  he  generally  provides  for 
the  levy,  that  property  with  which  he  can  best  dispense,  and 
which  he  calculates  most  unsalable :  as  grind-stones,  wood 
clocks,  fence  rails,  so  situated  that  their  conveyance  from  the 
debtor's  land  would  exceed  their  value,  tomb-stones,  etc.  If 
half  the  appraised  value  of  this  unsalable  property  does  not 
exceed  the  sum  for  which  it  can  be  bought,  perhaps  of  the 
appraisers  themselves,  it  is  an  exception  to  a  general  rule. 
It  must  not  be  expected  that  a  law  which  strikes  at  the  root 
of  morals  will  long  be  well  executed,  if  its  execution  depends 
on  the  virtue  which  it  destroys.  The  manner  in  which  this 
law  is  executed,  requiring  many  oaths  to  be  administered  by 
grave  sheriffs  and  constables,  will  not  tend  to  make  tender 


132  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

consciences.  I  scarce  need  repeat  what  is  so  often  remarked, 
that  the  frequency  of  oaths  lessens  their  influence ;  as  we  grow 
familiar,  we  lose  respect  for  this  guardian  of  truth.  What  ob 
trudes  upon  us  we  behold  with  indifference  ;  even  the  sun  the 
most  great,  bright  and  useful  of  things,  is  generally  viewed 
without  reverence  because  it  is  so  frequently  seen. 

NUMBER  THKEE. 

The  sentiments  which  the  Ohio  law  inspires ;  the  example 
which  it  gives  of  disregard  to  oaths ;  the  temptation  which  it 
presents  to  person  who  are  governed  more  by  fear  of  punish 
ment  than  love  of  virtue ;  the  advantage  which  it  gives  rogues 
over  honest  men ;  the  imputation  of  roguery  which  it  casts 
on  the  good  by  taking  from  them  the  means  of  fulfilling  their 
contracts ;  the  excuses  which  it  affords  persons  of  equivocal  in 
tegrity  for  not  performing  their  contracts,  thus  encouraging 
falsehood  and  hypocrisy  ;  its  inducements  to  extravagance  in 
debtors,  to  the  injury  of  creditors,  whereby  the  money  that 
should  be  applied  in  payment  of  debts,  within  the  State,  is 
sent  to  the  Atlantic  cities  (to  trace  it  no  further)  to  purchase 
some  conveniences  but  more  luxuries ;  the  cost  which  it  heaps 
on  judicial  proceedings,  and  the  increase  of  litigation  which 
it  causes — these  are  some  of  its  odious  features  which  disgust 
the  moralist,  and  give  the  patriot  pain,  while  he  contemplates 
its  provisions,  or  witnesses  its  practice.  It  will  inspire  the 
feeling  that  promises  are  not  sacred ;  that  as  it  is  fashionable 
to  cheat,  it  is  folly  to  be  honest ;  that  oaths  are  toys  and  mere 
matters  of  form ;  that  the  gratification  of  desire  should  not 
yield  to  the  claims  of  justice ;  that  dissimulation  is  not  a  vice, 
and  that  candor  is  the  portion  of  fools. 

I  have  before  observed  that  the  frequency  of  oaths,  in  this 
law  is  calculated  to  destroy  their  influence.  The  subject  on 
which  they  are  employed  (that  of  estimating  the  value  of 
things)  connected  with  their  frequency,  is  also  well  calculated 
to  hasten  the  decline  of  their  importance.  Even  when  the 
appraisers  have  acted  conscientiously,  and  judged  correctly,  a 
great  many,  disagreeing  with  the  opinion  of  the  appraisers,  will 
believe  they  have  done  otherwise,  and  view  their  conduct  as 


PEOSE  WRITINGS.  133 

an  example  of  the  futility  of  oaths.  To  preserve  their  sanctity, 
the  legislator  should  not  employ  them,  but  from  great  neces 
sity,  upon  a  subject  on  which  it  is  seldom  that  two  have  the 
same  opinion.  Most  subjects,  indeed,  admit  of  difference  of 
opinion,  but  not  in  the  same  degree  as  that  of  estimating  the 
value  of  property,  represented  by,  and  constantly  varying  in 
price,  with  the  quantity  of  the  circulating  medium.  Oaths 
should  not  be  employed  to  be  disgraced,  nor  be  represented  to 
the  people  like  a  Sardanapalus  at  his  distaff.  A  republican 
legislator  does  ill  to  weigh  gold  against  virtue,  or  to  adopt 
laws  destructive  of  morals,  to  secure  some  imprudent  debtors 
against  the  possibility  of  oppression  by  the  creditors.  The 
remedy  will  be  found  worse  than  the  disease.  Because  a  finger 
is  sore  must  the  heart  be  cut  ?  Because  some  spendthrifts  and 
drunkards,  some  bad  calculators  and  a  few  knaves  are  in  debt, 
must  the  palladium  of  our  liberty,  our  virtue,  be  sacrificed  ?  It 
cost  our  fathers  something  more  both  in  lives  and  property, 
than  the  debtors,  creditors,  and  their  gear  would  number  ;  but 
children  who  expend  fortunes  hoarded  by  their  parents,  and 
sunshine  patriots,  who  gather  loaves  and  fishes  over  the 
veteran's  grave,  are  often  too  wise  to  respect  the  principles  of 
the  ancestors.  Those  persons  are  seldom  sued  who  are  known 
to  pay  when  they  can.  Of  ten  that  are  pressed  by  their  cred 
itors,  eight  deserve  it.  Suppose  creditors  are  destitute  of 
humanity,  there  are  few  so  indifferent  to  public  opinion  as  to 
unjustly  drive  their  debtor  to  extremity.  The  abuse  of  a 
power  to  coerce  the  debtor  is  not  so  probable  as  the  necessity 
of  it  is  certain.  It  is  not  by  immuring  a  debtor  in  jail,  or 
sacrificing  his  property,  that  the  creditor  in  general  expects  to 
be  benefited.  It  is  the  fear  which  the  debtor  entertains  of 
these  events  that  makes  him  industrious  to  earn,  careful  to 
save,  desirous  to  pay,  and  cautious  of  holding  out  false  colors, 
to  obtain  credit.  The  latter  is  a  mode  of  stealing  that  seldom 
fails  to  be  successfully  practised,  and  with  impunity  where 
the  laws  are  even  secure  against  debtors.  What  a  fine  oppor 
tunity  does  the  Ohio  law  afford  to  this  class  of  thieves ! 

The  votary  of  virtue  never  plunges  at  once  into  the  full 
practice  of  vice.     The  defences  of  morality  are  gradually,  and 


134:  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

almost  imperceptibly  forced,  until  the  whole  bulwark  is 
demolished.  As  an  inconsiderable  current,  overflowing  an 
embankment,  increases  as  the  ground  gives  way,  until  it 
bears  down  all  opposition;  so  vice  gathers  force  at  every 
encroachment  on  the  province  of  virtue,  until  the  latter  is 
destroyed.  We  turn  not  from  the  contemplation  of  beauty  to 
look  with  delight  on  deformity ;  but  by  indulgence  of  desire, 
and  frequent  concession  to  temptation,  we  are  presently 
brought  to  view  with  pleasure  the  ill  features  of  vice.  When 
a  dandy  first  presents  his  awkward  mode  for  the  imitation  of 
the  wiser  part  of  mankind,  they  often  view  the  impertinent 
innovator  with  disdain,  but  growing  by  degrees  accustomed 
to  his  dress,  they  see  it  without  contempt,  at  length  with 
pleasure,  and  finally  adopt  it  themselves.  Such  is  the  fascina 
tion  of  fashion  ;  such  the  consequence  of  indulgence  and  non- 
resistance  of  trifles.  A  little  concession  at  one  time,  and  a  little 
at  another,  to  the  claims  of  desire,  and  virtue  is  soon  over 
thrown.  It  is  not  unlike  small  expenditures  in  pecuniary 
matters,  where  we  too  often  forget  that  a  fortune  is  composed 
of  small  sums.  At  first  we  may  look  with  disgust  on  the 
man  who  neglects  his  promise,  or  who,  able  to  satisfy  a  judg 
ment,  takes  shelter  under  the  law.  We  blame  the  seduced 
and  overlook  the  seducer ;  we  abate  no  severity  on  account  of 
the  temptation  of  the  law,  and  the  weakness  of  human  nature. 
Similar  breaches  of  good  faith,  often  occurring,  the  iniquity 
becomes  fashionable,  and  dishonesty  gives  little  offence,  unless 
it  attack  ourselves.  At  length  our  sentiments  are  changed 
respecting  moral  obligations ;  no  tie  but  interest,  no  rule  but 
force,  and  no  principle  but  fear,  govern  our  actions. 

All  republics,  when  arrived  at  this  stage,  have  dissolved, 
despotisms  rising  on  their  ruins.  Who  sees  the  state  of  public 
morals  in  Rome  immediately  preceding  and  after  the  conspir 
acy  of  Catiline  but  pronounces  the  nation  ripe  for  those  events 
which  established  the  throne  of  Augustus  ?  The  same  causes 
in  France  gave  Napoleon  a  crown,  and  the  same  want  of  vir 
tue  and  knowledge  in  the  body  of  the  people  of  South  America 
justifies  our  government  in  not  hastily  acknowledging  their 
independence ;  for  they  may  be  unfit  for  such  a  form  of  gov- 


PROSE  WETTINGS.  135 

ernment  as  we  would  gladly  approve.  To  prevent  the  cor 
ruption  of  morals  should  be  the  endeavor  of  all,  especially 
Legislators;  and  when  those,  through  private  interest,  or 
ignorance  of  the  principle  of  their  government,  promulgate 
laws  of  a  contrary  tendency,  like  the  one  which  I  have  seen 
fit  to  notice  in  these  essays,  it  is  wished  the  people  may  know 
it  as  soon  as  they  feel  the  effect ;  inquire  into  the  cause  thereof, 
and  apply  the  proper  remedy. 

NUMBER   FOUR. 

Among  the  causes  of  moral  depravity  is  party  distinction, 
by  which  the  attention  of  people  is  drawn  from  the  man  to 
the  party  whose  interest  he  espouses.  Although  in  our  country 
the  spirit  of  faction  has  much  subsided,  many  will  attempt 
to  kindle  it  anew  because  they  feel  their  insignificance  very 
sensibly  increase,  since  they  are  staid  on  their  own  merit.  As 
those  who  deem  a  principle  good  do  not  discover  its  conse 
quences  to  be  bad,  so  their  defects  were  unnoticed  by  all  who 
looked  for  perfection  in  the  members  of  their  party. 

The  partisan  who  sees  the  decay  of  his  importance  will  talk 
with  apparent  sincerity  of  the  necessity  of  factions  in  a  State. 
He  wants  an  opportunity  to  get  the  nation  into  a  war  about 
names,  that  by  a  name  he  may  get  what  would  be  denied  to 
his  merit ;  certain  that  his  morals  or  abilities  will  be  little 
regarded,  if  he  does  not  bear  what  blind  partisans  most  esteem, 
the  name  of  Madisonian,  Clintonian,  Democrat,  or  Federalist. 

As  empty  men  derive  importance  from  faction,  we  should 
not  be  surprised  that  they  have  discovered  its  usefulness ;  but  we 
might  well  be  astonished  if  men  of  abilities,  who  sufficiently 
appreciate  the  honors  of  office,  to  despise  them  unless  rightly 
obtained,  should  pronounce  it  worthy  in  object,  or  moral  in 
means.  "With  what  disgust  must  these  look  on  partisans  who 
endeavor  to  darken  the  mind  with  prejudice,  and  banish  im 
partiality  by  such  expressions  as  "  Who  is  not  for  us  is  against 
us,"  "  Who  unites  with  a  party  shows  a  manly  spirit,  and 
decision  of  character,"  etc.  I  have  often  smiled  at  these  say 
ings,  and  purposely  conversed  with  the  speaker  afterwards  to 
discover  whether  he  was  inspired  by  knavery  or  ignorance. 


136 


THOMAS   HEDGES   GENINT. 


The  greater  number  of  these  sagacious  ones,  I  found,  owed  all 
their  confidence  in  their  maxims  to  ignorance.  They  were 
propagating  with  sincerity  the  invention  of  knaves,  and  for 
doing  what  they  considered  their  duty,  perhaps  sought  no 
reward,  though  they  sometimes  gazed  on  the  public  loaf. 
These  are  a  sort  of  manure  for  another's  crop,  or  a  field  which 
designing  men  cultivate  for  their  own  purposes,  where  they 
too  often  reap  an  abundant  harvest  from  seed  of  delusion. 
Not  one  of  them  has  sufficient  humility  or  self-knowledge  to 
suspect  himself  imposed  on  or  deceived.  Such  believe  they 
are  supporting  principles,  when  they  only  support  men  who 
are  frequently  destitute  of  good  principles ;  for  most  partisans 
look  more  to  the  party  a  man  espouses  than  to  his  integrity  or 
knowledge. 

If  factions  are  injurious  to  a  State,  men  of  great  integrity 
and  talents  will  not  unite  with  them,  though  men  of  great 
ambition  may,  who  usually  justify  themselves  by  "  necessity, 
the  tyrant's  plea."  The  venerable  John  Adams  has  attributed 
to  necessity  what  he  may  have  done  of  a  party  character.  I 
hope  he  has  benefited  his  country  and  posterity,  by  expressing 
his  fear  that  "  party  Presidents  and  party  Governors  will  be 
injurious,  if  not  destructive  of  our  excellent  institutions." 
After  the  fire  of  ambition  slackens,  every  partizan  of  common 
understanding,  who  has  bestowed  but  little  attention  on  the 
history  of  factions,  must  regret  that  any  act  of  his  life  was  to 
promote  the  dominion  of  a  party.  I  wish  every  factionary 
possessed  Mr.  Adams's  candor,  and  a  better  excuse  for  his 
error.  Though  it  might  have  been  necessary  for  the  gratifica 
tion  of  his  ambition  to  favor  a  party,  it  could  not  have  been 
necessary  to  do  so  for  the  happiness  of  his  country. 

All  who  are  above  the  meanness  of  courting  a  faction,  are 
charged  with  disaffection  to  the  Government,  in  a  State  that 
is  governed  by  factions.  The  severe  practitioners  of  virtue  are 
shunned;  their  integrity  is  feared  by  both  parties — by  the 
knaves,  because  they  dread  the  truth ;  by  the  ignorant,  be 
cause  they  suppose  their  party  and  correct  principle  are  the 
same ;  and  conclude  that  he  who  is  inimical  to  the  former, 
must  be  destitute  of  the  latter.  In  such  a  State,  the  compar- 


PEOSE  WETTINGS.  137" 

atively  undeserving  rule,  whose  object  is  more  the  protection 
and  welfare  of  their  party  than  the  country.  They  court  all 
who  can  forward  their  interest,  and  try  to  ruin  all  who  cannot 
be  corrupted.  The  leaders  of  faction  require  from  their  fol 
lowers  implicit  obedience.  Their  subordinate  tools  of  decep 
tion  are  encouraged  to  labor  in  their  cause  by  rewards  of 
office ;  not  for  their  merits  as  men,  but  for  their  drudgery  as 
caterers.  Hence  we  have  seen  the  dregs  of  society  in  official 
stations  which  respectable  people  would  gladly  have  accepted. 
We  have  seen  vice  set  above  virtue ;  gross  indecency  triumph 
over  modesty ;  ignorance  over  knowledge,  and  folly  over  wis 
dom  !  Does  faction  then  promote  virtue  and  strengthen  the 
guard  of  liberty  ?  Does  it  not  promote  dissimulation,  corrup 
tion,  and  provide  fit  materials  for  slavery  ? 

Beside  these  evils,  history  abounds  with  immediate  ills  of 
faction.  From  a  desire  to  exalt  the  party,  its  directors  have 
generally,  I  might  say  uniformly,  not  spared  the  State  where 
the  interest  of  the  party  and  State  have  interfered.  The  Han- 
nonian  faction,  by  withholding  supplies  from  Hannibal,  when 
in  Italy,  saved  Rome  and  ruined  Carthage ;  for  Hannibal  de 
clared  he  was  not  compelled  to  withdraw  from  Italy  by  the 
Romans,  whom  he  had  constantly  defeated,  but  by  Hanno  and 
his  party,  who  were  bent  on  the  ruin  of  the  Barcan  family ;  to 
crush  which  they  destroyed  Carthage  itself.  The  attempts  of 
a  faction  to  ruin  Alcibiades  gave  to  Athens,  after  many  great 
misfortunes,  her  thirty  tyrants.  Who  recalls  the  story  of 
Marius  and  Scylla,  the  former  murdering  the  friends  of  the 
latter,  and  Scylla  repaying  the  violence  on  the  adverse  faction 
with  usury,  while  Rome  reeks  with  the  gore  of  her  best  citi 
zens  ;  or  of  the  equally  bloody  discord  of  Caesar  and  Pompey, 
who  recalls  these  and  does  not  execrate  the  damning  genius  of 
party  spirit  ?  Poland  has  died  of  wounds  inflicted  by  her 
factions.  What  France  has  suffered,  and  what  it  was  feared 
we  might  ourselves  suffer  from  like  causes,  is  in  the  memory 
of  most  of  our  citizens.  The  bounds  I  propose  myself  admit 
not  much  detail.  The  pages  of  history  are  equally  amusing 
and  instructive ;  there  the  reader  may  convince  himself  that 
parties,  or  factions,  are  highly  injurious  to  morals,  and  directly 


138  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENET. 

hurtful  to  the  State.  In  our  country  there  should  be  no  par 
ties  except  as  they  represent  virtue  and  knowledge  opposed  to 
ignorance  and  vice.  The  merits  of  persons,  and  not  of  names, 
will  then  be  weighed. 


WASHHSTGTOK 

Oration,  delivered  in    St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,   on  Washington's  Birth-Day, 
1823.* 

"  First  in  war,  first  in  peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his 
countrymen,"  is  the  citizen  whose  nativity  we  commemorate. 
His  should  be  no  idle  eulogium.  'Tis  not  enough  that  wTe 
applaud  his  merit ;  we  do  him  most  honor  by  practising  his 
precepts  and  imitating  his  conduct.  What  we  approve  with 
words,  but  deny  by  deeds,  is  rather  degraded  than  honored  by 
our  notice.  "What  boots  it  that  a  rogue  lauds  an  honest  man  ? 
Why  a  promoter  of  faction,  a  foe  to  morality,  a  mover  of  dis 
union  of  our  confederacy,  an  instigator  of  jealousy  and  hatred 
against  particular  nations,  an  enemy  to  institutions  for  the 
general  diffusion  of  knowledge,  or  an  office-hunter  without 
capacity  to  perform  official  duties,  bestow  praise  on  Washing 
ton?  Not  surely  because  he  respects  the  principles  of  the 
man ;  his  actions  declare  that  he  is  governed  by  other  motives. 
Our  hero  was  not  merely  to  be  admired,  but  imitated.  He 
had  the  dignity  of  Cato,  without  his  pride;  the  magnanimity 
and  perseverance  of  Csesar  or  Alexander,  without  the  criminal 
ambition  of  the  one,  or  the  licentiousness  of  the  other.  His 
idea  of  excellence  was  not  confined  to  the  splendor  of  conquest? 
the  direction  of  armies,  or  the  possession  of  power.  With  him 
honesty  was  essential  to  greatness.  Other  nations  may  boast 
the  heroism  of  their  sons ;  to  the  heroism  of  Washington,  we 
may  add  the  praise  of  wisdom  and  justice.  How  pre-eminent 

*  The  ornate  rhetoric,  so  conspicuous  in  the  author's  earlier  writings,  does 
not  desert  him  in  his  Eulogium  of  the  Father  of  his  Country.  It  is,  how 
ever,  full  of  wisdom,  of  patriotic  counsel,  for  the  most  part  forcibly  ex 
pressed. 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  139 

is  he  who  saved  his  country,  over  those  who  owe  their  impor 
tance  to  their  country's  ruin.  Americans  will  long  remember 
his  services.  May  they  never  forget  his  precepts,  nor  cease  to 
emulate  his  virtues ! 

Whether  beheld  "  riding  the  whirlwind  and  directing  the 
storm  "  of  revolution,  or  in  the  calm  of  peace,  wisely  adminis 
tering  the  government  of  his  nation,  he  is  always  its  guardian ; 
never  the  oppressor.  He  lives  for  his  countrymen ;  not  his 
countrymen  for  him.  As  General  or  President,  he  ornaments 
the  office,  while  the  office  adds  nothing  to  his  real  dignity.  He 
sought  not  emoluments ;  the  public  good  was  the  object  of  his 
solicitude.  His  disinterestedness  is  proved  by  his  refusal  of 
pay  for  his  services.  Unlike  Cincinnatus,  he  cannot  be  accused 
of  favoring  the  designs  of  a  faction;  yet  his  meekness  and 
willingness  to  abandon  official  stations  were  not  exceeded  by 
the  ploughman  Dictator.  Possessor  of  a  considerable  estate, 
and  enjoying  the  esteem  of  the  royal  government,  vulgar 
minds  might  have  thought  he  had  more  to  lose  than  gain,  by 
venturing  his  own  with  his  country's  fortune;  yet  greatly 
daring,  he  launched  into  the  ocean  of  our  troubles,  and  cut 
our  way  to  empire  over  financial  embarrassment  and  European 
discipline.  Above  the  tide  of  destiny  he  stood,  in  our  darkest 
day,  like  the  sun  above  terrestrial  storms,  irradiating  the 
gloom  of  the  period  with  his  unconquered  spirit.  Still  rising 
with  the  occasion,  his  greatness  increases  with  our  danger.  As 
meteors  seem  most  brilliant  in  darkness,  so  his  genius  was 
most  conspicuous  amidst  difficulties.  Like  Sertorious  or  Cato, 
while  he  existed  fortune  could  not  discourage  with  her  frowns, 
nor  prosperity  seduce  by  her  smiles.  Intrepid  he  leads  the 
young  republic  through  seven  winters'  snows,  up  the  slippery 
height  of  fortune,  to  independence.  At  length,  the  conqueror 
of  his  enemies  and  himself,  he  resigns  his  command,  and  retires 
to  Yernon's  shade. 

A  wise  man  has  said  that  all  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit ; 
but  surely  those  deeds  that  command  the  applause  of  justice 
— that  renown  which  grows  in  the  soil  of  virtue — the  conscious 
ness  of  deserving  well,  cannot  be  vain.  Chiefly  those  who 
have  sought  objects  unessential  to  happiness,  complain  of  the 


14:0  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN". 

vanity  of  human  pursuits,  modestly  ascribing  to  Providence 
the  consequences  of  their  own  folly.  Such 

"  Fondly  thinking  to  allay 
Their  appetite  with  gust,  instead  of  fruit 
Chew  bitter  ashes," 

because  they  mistake  shadows  for  substances,  flowers  for  fruit, 
and  seek  happiness  in  external  pomp  and  circumstances,  and 
not  in  the  satisfaction  of  the  mind,  or  the  consciousness  of 
having  "  acted  well  their  part."  Yet  those  objects  are  not 
unworthy  of  pursuit,  because  they  are  not  the  foundation  of 
happiness : 

"  Perish  the  lore  that  deadens  young  desire, 
Pursue,  poor  imp,  th'  imaginary  charm  ; 
Indulge  gay  hope,  and  fancy's  pleasing  fire  ; 
Fancy  and  hope  too  soon  shall  of  themselves  expire." 

Our  Washington  sought  and  merited  the  praise  of  true 
greatness.  With  him  all  was  not  vanity  and  vexation.  He 
knew  better  the  value  of  things  than  to  barter  justice  for  power ; 
to  deceive  his  country  for  titles  and  diadems ;  to  abandon  the 
dignity  of  virtue,  for  the  gratification  of  a  juvenile  desire,  for 
the  admiration  of  fools  and  the  contempt  of  the  wise.  He 
well  distinguished  the  visionary  and  useless  from  the  real  and 
beneficial  objects  of  pursuit.  He  labored  to  establish  that 
virtuous  liberty,  "  one  day,  one  hour  of  which  is  worth  an 
eternity  of  bondage."  He  gave  distinguished  assistance  in 
rearing  our  civil  policy,  and  has  left  us  lessons  for  its  preserva 
tion,  which  wisdom  and  experience  have  approved,  and  which 
need  only  be  contemplated  to  be  admired.  His  fame  springs 
from  substantial  blessings  bestowed  on  his  country  by  his  valor 
and  wisdom,  that  her  gratitude,  noblest  of  sentiments,  and 
highest  of  duties,  will  keep  him  in  perpetual  remembrance. 
It  is  not  only  a  "  life  in  others'  breath,"  that  he  might  have 
promised  himself  after  his  descent  to  the  tomb ;  but  an  exist 
ence  in  man-exalting  institutions,  of  which  millions  enjoy  the 


PEOSE  WKITINGS.  141 

benefit ;  and  in  the  conduct  and  principles  of  many  future  sons 
of  Columbia,  who  smit  with  the  love  of  honorable  deeds,  would 
emulate  his  fame ;  whose  bodies  would  be  animated  by  his 
spirit,  and  whose  lives  would  be  a  reflection  of  his  own ;  for  he 
knew  that  the  friends  of  his  country  and  her  free  government, 
would  not  omit  to  reiterate  his  counsels,  applaud  his  conduct, 
and  recommend  his  example  to  their  children,  "  the  joy  of  the 
present,  and  the  hope  of  the  future  age." 

For  this  we  honor  his  memory ;  for  human  applause  cannot 
penetrate  the  "  dull  cold  ear  of  death,"  nor  add  to  the  quiet 
repose  of  the  mighty  dead.  That  ardent  eye  which  ranged 
through  the  ranks  of  undisciplined  warriors,  and  that  heroic 
spirit  which  plunged  him  between  hostile  fires,  are  extinguished. 
His  ear  is  deaf  to  the  voice  of  honor ;  even  deaf  to  the  wrongs 
of  his  country — once  how  swift  to  hear !  how  quick  to  avenge ! 
'Tis  for  the  benefit  of  the  living  that  we  commemorate  the 
dead ;  to  point  to  youth  the  excellence  and  reward  of  virtue 
and  patriotism;  the  lessons  of  experience,  and  the  example  of 
the  wise  and  good.  When  Greece  won  immortal  renown  by 
the  intelligence  and  conduct  of  her  sons,  eulogiums  were  pro 
nounced  and  statues  erected  in  remembrance  of  departed 
worthies.  In  this  way  were  sown  the  seeds  of  great  exploit. 
Before  the  eyes  of  the  children  were  displayed  the  glorious 
achievements  and  virtues  of  the  fathers,  that  they  might 
imitate  their  conduct  and  profit  by  their  experience.  The 
respect  shown  to  merit,  enamored  them  of  glory.  The  Persian 
Tigranes,  observing  they  preferred  honor  to  interest,  would 
have  dissuaded  his  monarch  from  the  invasion  of  people,  whose 
prejudices  were  on  virtue's  side,  and  whose  principles  must 
render  them  victorious.  He  justly  considered  that  if  men 
would  hazard  life  in  pursuit  of  wealth,  a  people  who  preferred 
honor  to  riches,  would  seek  opportunities  to  face  danger,  and 
joyfully  yield  their  lives  for  distinguished  renown. 

Though  "  storied  urn,  or  animated  bust,"  cannot  recall  the 
spirit  of  the  dead,  yet  it  may  rouse  the  living  to  shine  with  a 
brilliance  that  shall  rival  the  glory  of  departed  merit.  When 
we  see  the  statue  of  Washington,  or  hear  his  character  deline 
ated,  we  are  reminded,  that  we  owe  our  lives  and  knowledge 


142  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

to  mankind,  that  the  height  of  our  virtue  is  to  serve  them  ; 
that  the  good  are  superior  to  fortune ;  in  short,  of  all  that 
is  excellent  in  a  general,  a  statesman,  a  father,  husband  or 
citizen. 

Westmoreland,  Virginia,  gave  birth  to  our  patriot,  in  the 
thirty-second  year  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Ten  years  alter- 
wards,  death  bereaved  him  of  his  father.  His  education  de 
volved  on  his  mother.  The  virtuous  matron  employed  her 
scanty  means  to  give  a  noble  direction  to  the  talents  of  her 
son.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  we  find  him  a  midshipman  in  the 
British  navy  ;  at  nineteen,  one  of  the  Adjutants-General  of 
Virginia,  with  the  rank  of  Major ;  and  immediately  there 
after  engaged  in  an  enterprise  that  required  the  greatest  pru 
dence  and  vigor  to  accomplish  :  to  penetrate  the  country  to 
the  river  Le  Boeuf ;  to  remonstrate  against  the  occupation  of 
the  Ohio  country  by  the  French  ;  to  discover  their  designs  ;  to 
conciliate  the  native  tribes  ;  and  procure  useful  intelligence. 
This  he  performed  with  great  patience  and  perseverance,  jour 
neying  in  solitude  through  a  vast  wilderness,  till  then  unex 
plored,  amidst  the  cold  rains  and  snows  of  autumn,  over  rivers 
of  difficult  passage,  and  among  unfriendly  tribes  of  Indians. 
He  viewed  the  country  with  a  soldier's  eye,  and  marked  an 
eligible  situation  for  a  military  post  at  the  junction  of  the 
Monongahela  and  Alleghany  rivers,  which  was  afterwards 
occupied  by  Fort  Duquesne  (the  place  where  Pittsburgh  now 
stands). 

The  following  year,  at  the  head  of  400  men,  we  observe 
him  attempting  the  dislodgement  of  the  French  from  Fort 
Duquesne,  in  which  he  displayed  so  much  genius  and  intre 
pidity,  that  although  unsuccessful  he  was  glorious.  The  Legis 
lature  of  Virginia,  impressed  with  a  high  sense  of  the  bravery 
and  good  conduct  of  these  troops,  voted  their  thanks  to  Col. 
Washington,  and  distributed  money  among  the  soldiers.  The 
next  year  Gen.  Braddock  arrived  in  America.  He  had  heard  of 
Washington's  talents,  and  invited  him  to  serve  in  the  intended 
campaign  as  a  volunteer  aid-de-camp.  Though  dangerously 
ill  of  fever,  our  hero  persisted  in  accompanying  this  general, 
and  recovered  his  health  just  in  time  to  participate  in  that 


PBOSE  WRITINGS.  143 

fearful  conflict  which  ended  the  days  of  Braddock  and  half 
his  army.  Every  aid-de-camp  but  Washington  was  soon  killed 
or  wounded  :  for  three  hours  he  rode  undismayed  through  the 
files  of  war,  bearing  in  all  directions  through  the  deadly  battle 
the  orders  of  his  general.  Two  horses  died  beneath  him  :  four 
bullets  perforated  his  garment :  but  surely  the  Deity,  in  kind 
ness  to  mortals,  that  day  turned  from  his  heart  the  missiles  of 
death,  and  reserved  him  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  ben 
evolent  purposes  to  mankind ;  to  wield  the  sword  of  revo 
lution,  and  greatly  aid  in  constructing  our  fabric  of  govern 
ment.  So  highly  at  this  time  was  he  appreciated  by  his 
countrymen,  that  they  generally  believed  and  declared,  that 
if  he  had  been  commander  the  disaster  would  have  been 
avoided. 

The  Assembly  of  Virginia  directed  sixteen  companies  to 
be  raised  to  protect  their  frontier  settlements,  exposed  by 
Braddock's  defeat  to  Indian  invasion  ;  appointed  Washington 
their  commander,  and,  such  was  their  opinion  of  his  prudence, 
they  empowered  him  to  name  his  field-officers.  Thus,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-three,  when  others  begin  to  hope  to  deserve  it, 
he  had  actually  obtained  the  distinguished  confidence  of  his 
country.  The  force  at  his  disposal  wras  incompetent  to  give 
the  needed  protection.  Murder  blighted  the  happiness  of  the 
cottage,  without  distinction  of  age  or  sex.  The  silence  and 
darkness  of  night  were  often  interrupted  by  the  shrieks  of 
innocent  sufferers,  and  the  conflagration  of  their  humble 
abodes.  Our  patriot  mourned  over  the  calamities  he  could 
not  prevent,  with  parental  tenderness.  He  thus  expressed 
his  feelings  in  a  letter  to  the  Governor :  "  The  supplicating 
tears  of  the  women,  and  moving  petitions  of  the  men,  melt 
me  with  such  deadly  sorrow,  that  I  solemnly  declare,  if  I 
know  my  own  mind,  I  could  offer  myself  a  willing  sacrifice 
to  the  butchering  enemy,  provided  that  would  contribute  to 
the  people's  ease."  He  incessantly  urged  the  British  com 
manders,  and  the  government  of  Virginia,  to  effect  the  reduc 
tion  of  Fort  Duquesne.  At  length  his  plan  met  the  approba 
tion  of  Gen.  Forbes,  who  with  800  men,  accompanied  by  our 
hero  and  his  Virginia  regiment,  about  three  years  after  the 


144  THOMAS   HEDGES   GEOTN. 

defeat  of  Braddock,  took  possession  of  this  fort.  The  bene 
fits  derived  from  its  acquisition,  proved  the  soundness  of  his 
judgment  who  advised  its  capture,  which  secured  an  extensive 
frontier  from  the  miseries  of  savage  war. 

We  now  see  him  resigning  his  commission — receiving  the 
thanks  of  his  regiment.  At  the  age  of  twenty-seven,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Custis.  For  fifteen  years  he 
devoted  himself  to  agricultural  pursuits,  except  occasionally, 
when  he  acted  as  Judge  in  his  county.  He  displayed  wisdom 
as  a  member  of  the  House  of  Burgesses,  where  he  firmly  op 
posed  the  principle  of  taxation  asserted  by  the  parent  State. 

But  now  Tyranny  is  seen  approaching  from  the  east.  The 
sages  of  the  land  assemble  at  Philadelphia,  and  remonstrate 
against  his  coming — but  in  vain.  Though  unprovided  with 
the  implements  of  war,  they  possess  that  spirit  which  disdains 
dishonor,  and  they  look  round  for  a  commander,  whose  native 
fortitude  cannot  be  shaken  by  fortune,  favorable  or  adverse, 
to  lead  feeble  and  ill-armed  bands  against  the  formidable 
enemy.  The  great  command  is  conferred,  by  an  unanimous 
vote  of  Congress,  upon  Washington.  He  accepts  the  honor, 
but  refuses  the  emolument  annexed  to  the  office.  By  this  he 
was  better  enabled  to  serve  his  country ;  for,  however  pure 
the  intention,  or  upright  the  conduct,  there  are  not  wanting 
persons  of  depraved  morals  and  little  souls,  who  assign  bad  or 
sordid  motives  to  good  actions.  He  immediately  left  the  Con 
gress,  of  which  he  was  a  member,  to  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
his  important  station.  On  his  way  to  Cambridge  he  received 
the  most  flattering  civilities,  and  the  American  Army  before 
Boston  hailed  him  with  the  most  joyful  acclamations.  Ere 
this  he  was  styled  the  soldier  of  America ;  now  he  was  beheld 
as  its  father.  In  that  Congress,  where  all  were  great,  his  pre 
eminence  had  been  acknowledged.  In  that  field,  where  all 
were  brave,  his  bravery  had  been  distinguished.  He  had  now 
not  only  to  direct  the  movements  of  the  armies,  but  often  to 
provide  their  subsistence,  advise  the  Congress,  and  prevent 
despondence  in  the  people.  How  well  he  performed  these 
difficult  parts,  the  historians  of  our  revolution  have  declared. 

By  erecting  redoubts  on  Dorchester's  Heights,  he  presently 


PROSE  WRITINGS.  145 

compelled  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  enemy.  Then 
turning  his  attention  to  JSTew  York,  he  arrived  there  just  in 
time  to  snatch  a  considerable  army  from  ruin,  by  stealing 
them  unperceived  by  night  from  Long  Island,  where,  during 
the  preceding  day,  they  had  maintained  unequal  and  peri 
lous  conflict.  His  subsequent  escape  from  York  Island  into 
West  Chester,  and  thence  into  Jersey,  notwithstanding  the 
efforts  of  the  enemy  to  prevent  it,  displays  consummate  ad 
dress  and  superior  prudence  ;  especially  when  it  is  considered 
that  to  effect  this,  it  was  necessary  to  render  his  army,  other 
wise  weak,  formidable  by  its  positions  ;  and  that  he  had  not 
only  to  make  the  most  advantageous  array  of  his  troops,  but  to 
inspire  them  with  courage.  In  attempting  this,  he  exposed 
himself  to  imminent  danger.  "While  endeavoring  to  with 
draw  his  troops  from  York  Island,  he  observed  them  at  one 
point  shamefully  retreating,  without  an  effort  to  preserve  the 
advantages  their  position  afforded.  "  'Twas  then,"  says  his 
biographer,  "  his  usually  tranquil  mind  was  torn  by  passion. 
He  recollected  the  declarations  of  Congress,  of  the  army,  and 
the  people,  preferring  liberty  to  life,  and  death  to  dishonor, 
and  contrasted  them  with  the  present  scandalous  flight.  His 
soul  was  harrowed  with  apprehensions  that  his  country  would 
be  conquered,  her  army  disgraced,  and  her  liberties  destroyed. 
He  anticipated  in  imagination,  that  the  Americans  would 
appear  to  posterity  as  high-sounding  boasters,  who  blustered 
when  danger  was  at  a  distance,  but  shrunk  at  the  shadow  of 
opposition.  Extensive  confiscations  and  numerous  attainders 
presented  themselves  to  his  agitated  mind.  He  saw  in  imagi 
nation  new  formed  States,  with  means  of  defense,  and  with 
glorious  prospects  of  liberty  before  them,  leveled  to  the  dust, 
and  such  constitutions  imposed  on  them  as  were  likely  to 
crush  the  vigor  of  the  human  mind  ;  while  the  unsuccessful 
issue  of  the  present  struggle  would,  for  ages  to  come,  deter 
posterity  from  asserting  their  rights.  Impressed  with  these 
ideas,  he  hazarded  his  person  a  long  time  between  his  own  men 
and  the  enemy,  with  his  horse's  head  fronting  the  latter,  as 
if  in  expectation,  that  by  an  honorable  death  he  might  escape 
the  unhappy  doom  of  his  country.  His  aids,  and  the  confi- 
10 


146  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENBST. 

dential  friends  arounds  his  person,  by  indirect  violence  com 
pelled  him  to  retire,  and  save  a  life  for  public  service,  which 
a  sense  of  honor  and  a  gust  of  passion  seemed  to  have  devoted 
to  almost  certain  destruction." 

Our  infant  cause  now  reeled  under  the  blows  of  adversity. 
Our  hero,  yielding  to  necessity,  flew  before  the  storm.  On  his 
retreat  through  lS"ew  Jersey  with  a  much  diminished  army, 
despair,  remorse  and  terror  flapped  their  dark  pinions  over  the 
continent,  and  damped  even  the  spirits  of  the  brave.  The  ill- 
provided  few  that  yet  followed  the  standard  of  our  hopes,  were 
about  to  abandon  the  unblest  war  with  the  expiration  of  their 
term  of  service.  'Twas  then  we  beheld  one  who  had  not  de 
spaired  of  the  republic,  walk  through  the  shivering  ranks,  and 
calling  each  soldier  by  name,  adjured  him  not  to  forsake  his 
suffering  country.  Upon  the  citizens  of  Pennsylvania,  upon 
the  Governors  of  the  States,  upon  Congress,  he  urges  the 
necessity  of  exertion.  "A  character  to  lose — an  estate  to 
forfeit — the  inestimable  blessing  of  liberty  at  stake,  and  a  life 
devoted,  (he  says,)  must  be  his  excuse." 

Unexpectedly  he  re-crosses  the  Delaware,  captures  a  consid 
erable  body  of  his  enemies,  and  by  his  bold  movements,  more 
than  his  real  force,  compels  the  enemy  to  contract  the  sphere 
of  his  operations.  Through  the  year  1776,  he  confined  the 
British  to  their  posts  in  New  Brunswick  and  New  York,  and 
revived  the  hopes  of  his  country,  with  only  the  shadow  of  an 
army.  In  the  year  following,  by  reinforcing  the  army  op 
posed  to  Burgoyne,  he  rendered  himself  less  able  to  oppose 
the  movements  of  Howe  at  the  well  fought  battles  of  Brandy- 
wine  and  Germantown ;  thus  evincing  his  preference  of  the 
general  welfare  before  his  own  military  glory.  Amidst  the 
distresses  of  his  army  at  Valley  Forge,  we  find  him  busy  in 
reforming  abuses,  and  suggesting  the  means  for  raising  and 
providing  an  army  for  the  ensuing  summer,  with  which  he 
attacked  and  defeated  the  British  at  Monmonth. 

How  well  he  allayed  the  animosity  against  our  allies,  lest  it 
should  injure  our  cause !  What  difficulties  did  he  not  over 
come,  in  reconciling  his  troops  to  injuries  and  injustice  for  the 
benefit  of  their  country  ?  What  faith  must  the  Congress  have 


PEOSE   WETTINGS. 


reposed  in  his  judgment,  that  abandoned  a  scheme  for  the 
conquest  of  Canada,  which  they  had  deliberatively  resolved 
upon,  on  its  meeting  with  his  disapprobation  !  The  designs 
of  certain  sections  of  the  army,  injurious  to  our  cause,  were 
frustrated  by  his  prudence  and  management.  By  the  attack 
on  Stony  Point  and  Paulus  Hook,  he  diverted  the  foe  from  his 
ravages  in  Connecticut  ;  and  at  length,  by  his  repeated  solici 
tations,  having  obtained  a  competent  force  to  co-operate  with 
the  troops  of  France,  in  concert  with  them  he  compelled  the 
surrender  of  Cornwallis,  and  the  acknowledgment  of  our  inde 
pendence  by  the  parent  State. 

The  pecuniary  embarrassment  of  the  Government  rendered 
it  unable  to  fulfill  its  undertakings  with  the  army.  As  the 
soldiers  considered  they  had  been  neglected  when  their  services 
were  indispensable,  they  believed  they  would  be  wholly  disre 
garded  when  peace  had  lessened  their  importance.  The  pros 
pect  of  being  discharged  from  the  service  of  what  they  termed 
an  ungrateful  country,  to  spend  the  remnant  of  their  days  in 
begging  of  those  who  had  been  saved  by  their  valor,  induced 
them  to  think  of  forcibly  obtaining  justice.  With  this  view, 
an  eloquent  anonymous  address  was  circulated  among  the 
troops,  directing  the  officers  to  meet  on  the  next  day,  to  adopt 
measures  to  secure  a  redress  of  grievances.  Washington,  in 
stead  of  using  the  discontented  army  to  constitute  himself  an 
Iturbide,  a  Napoleon,  or  a  Caesar,  employed  all  his  influence 
to  reconcile  them  to  the  Government,  and  restore  confidence 
in  its  justice.  He  delayed  the  meeting,  and  in  the  interim 
urged  privately  on  each  officer  the  impropriety  of  its  object, 
and  at  the  meeting  itself  delivered  a  speech,  in  which  he  "  in- 
treats  the  officers  not  to  sully  the  glory  they  had  acquired, 
but  rely  on  the  justice  of  Congress,  who  he  doubted  not  would 
well  reward  their  meritorious  services  ;  and  he  conjured  them 
in  the  name  of  their  common  country,  as  they  respected  the 
rights  of  humanity,  and  as  they  regarded  the  military  and  na 
tional  character  of  America,  to  express  their  greatest  horror 
and  detestation  of  the  man  who  might  wish,  under  any  spe 
cious  pretence,  to  overturn  the  liberties  of  their  country,  and 
who  wickedly  attempted  to  open  the  floodgates  of  civil  dis- 


148  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENES. 

cord,  and  deluge  their  rising  empire  in  blood."  That  they 
would  thus  obtain  their  wishes,  defeat  the  designs  of  their 
enemies,  who  were  compelled  from  open  force  to  resort  to 
secret  artifice ;  give  another  distinguished  proof  of  patriotism, 
rising  superior  to  sufferings  the  most  complicated,  and  by  the 
dignity  of  their  conduct  afford  occasion  for  posterity  to  say, 
when  speaking  of  the  glorious  example  they  had  exhibited  to 
mankind,  "  Had  this  day  been  wanting,  the  world  had  never 
seen  the  last  stage  of  perfection  which  human  nature  is  capa 
ble  of  attaining."  None  was  hardy  enough  to  oppose  his  ad 
vice.  "While  they  were  softened  by  the  eloquence  of  their 
beloved  commander,  they  adopted  a  resolution  in  which  they 
assured  him,  "  that  they  reciprocated  his  affectionate  expres 
sions  with  the  greatest  sincerity  of  which  the  heart  was  capa 
ble."  Thus  by  his  influence  over  men,  who  had  the  greatest 
confidence  in  his  integrity,  a  calamity  was  averted,  that  might 
in  its  consequences  have  destroyed  or  endangered  our  recently- 
acquired  liberties. 

How  dear  he  was  to  his  army,  may  be  perceived  from  the 
tenderness  of  the  scene  at  parting  with  his  officers  at  New 
York.  Taking  them  by  the  hand,  he  wished  their  future  days 
might  be  happy  as  the  past  had  been  glorious.  Then  passing 
to  the  place  of  embarkation,  they  followed  him  in  melancholy 
silence.  "  On  his  entering  the  barge  to  cross  the  Hudson,  he 
turned  towards  these  companions  of  his  glory,  and  by  waving 
his  hat  bid  them  a  silent  adieu."  The  stern  countenances  of 
the  careworn  warriors,  glistening  with  tears,  hung  in  mute 
attention  upon  the  departing  form  of  their  loved  commander ; 
who,  first  in  peace,  had  been  first  in  peril ;  who  had  stood 
foremost  against  all  assaults  of  troubles — their  bulwark,  their 
guide  in  darkness,  and  great  example  of  fortitude  in  times 
that  tried  the  souls  of  men. 

The  army  disbanded,  he  proceeded  to  Annapolis  to  resign 
his  commission  to  the  Congress  that  conferred  it  seven  years 
before,  when  the  colonies  had  no  assurance  of  foreign  assist 
ance,  and  were  unprovided  with  disciplined  troops,  money, 
experienced  ofilcers,  forts,  or  arms.  The  assembled  fathers  of 
his  country  received  him  as  the  guardian  and  founder  of  the 


PROSE  WRITINGS.  149 

republic.  While  they  beheld  the  victorious  hero  retiring  to 
the  humble  citizen,  struck  with  the  majesty  of  his  virtue,  arid 
remembering  the  dangers  and  difficulties  through  which  they 
had  passed  together,  their  hearts  swelled  with  emotion — tears 
of  admiration  and  gratitude  stole  down  the  cheeks  of  sages. 
"Washington  felt  the  general  sympathy,  and  a  tear  rolled  over 
his  firm  and  placid  countenance.  After  a  decent  pause,  he 
proceeded  to  u  offer  his  congratulations  to  Congress — to  sur 
render  into  their  hands  the  trust  committed  to  him,  and 
to  claim  the  indulgence  of  retiring  from  the  service  of  his 
country." 

Behold  him  now  on  the  banks  of  the  Potomac  enjoying 
that  tranquil  dignity  before  which  crowns  and  thrones  crum 
ble  into  dust.  The  extension  of  inland  navigation ;  the  im 
provement  of  agriculture ;  the  union  of  the  States,  and  the 
perfection  of  the  federal  government  are  his  themes.  The 
Legislature  of  Virginia  adopted  his  plan,  and  gave  him  one 
hundred  and  fifty  shares  in  the  navigation  of  the  rivers  Po 
tomac  and  James,  that,  to  use  their  expression,  "  a  work  which 
will  be  a  monument  of  his  glory,  may  be  made  also  a  monu 
ment  of  the  gratitude  of  his  country."  He  directs  the  shares 
to  be  conveyed  to  the  use  of  a  seminary  of  learning  in  the 
vicinity  of  each  river ;  thus  honoring  their  gratitude,  with 
out  converting  the  boon  to  his  own  private  purposes. 

He  presided  in  that  Convention  which  framed  our  present 
Federal  Constitution,  and  formed  a  more  perfect  union  of  the 
States.  After  its  adoption,  all  eyes  were  turned  towards  him, 
as  the  person  most  fit,  by  his  firmness  and  decision,  to  wield 
the  executive  power  of  the  Union.  The  friends  of  our  coun 
try  desired  that  the  untried  constitution  might  have  the  influ 
ence  of  his  high  character  to  support  its  infant  march,  until 
the  people  should  entertain  that  respect  for  its  importance, 
and  confidence  in  its  utility,  which  would  insure  its  lasting 
authority.  He  was  elected  with  unanimity ;  but  it  was  not 
without  hesitation  that  he  accepted  the  important  trust.  He 
viewed  his  abilities  with  a  "  distrustful  scrutiny" — how  un 
like  some  modern  office-hunters  !  and  fearing  that  he  had  com 
mitted  an  error  in  taking  the  high  station,  hoped  it  would  be 


150  THOMAS   HEDGES    GEOTN. 

"  palliated  by  the  motives  which  misled  him,  and  its  conse 
quences  be  judged  by  his  country  with  some  share  of  the 
partiality  in  which  they  originated." 

The  energy,  firmness  and  ability  with  which  he  adminis 
tered  the  government,  showed  he  was  not  less  able  to  steer 
the  lofty  course  of  state  than  to  guide  the  car  of  Bellona. 
Sycophants  were  not  in  his  train.  His  appointments,  to  use 
his  own  language,  were  made  "  with  a  sole  reference  to  jus 
tice  and  the  public  good."  Candidates  won  his  attention  in 
the  field  of  knowledge  and  virtue.  Knowing  these  were  the 
shield  of  liberty,  he  would  not  discourage  them  by  promoting 
the  ignorant  or  vicious,  however  great  their  claim  on  the 
score  of  friendship,  private  services,  or  influence  with  the 
mob.  His  regard  for  the  public,  his  patriotism,  exceeded  all 
private  considerations. 

How  little  must  the  ambassador  from  the  French  Republic 
have  known  of  "Washington's  character  when  he  imagined 
that  the  enthusiasm  of  our  citizens  would  hurry  the  govern 
ment  over  which  he  presided  into  the  vortex  of  French  policy ! 
He  who  had  defied  the  British  king,  with  his  thousand  ships, 
at  a  time  when  destitute  of  almost  everything  but  hope  and 
bravery,  could  not  be  reasonably  expected  to  be  driven  from 
his  course  by  the  bellowing  of  the  mob,  the  howling  of  dema 
gogues,  or  the  supercilious  dictation  of  the  servant  of  a  foreign 
dominion. 

During  his  rule,  many  most  difficult  matters  were  adjusted. 
The  war  with  the  Indians  was  vigorously  prosecuted  and  suc 
cessfully  terminated;  the  disputes  with  Spain  and  England 
were  settled,  and  a  policy  adopted  with  respect  to  the  Euro 
pean  belligerents,  which  was  not  departed  from  by  his  suc 
cessors,  and  which  has  greatly  promoted  our  prosperity  and 
happiness. 

At  length,  "  after  eight  years  service  in  the  office  of  Presi 
dent,  at  the  commencement  of  which  period  he  found  the 
United  States  in  a  state  of  great  depression,  and  at  its  con 
clusion  left  them  advancing  with  gigantic  steps  in  agriculture, 
commerce,  wealth,  credit  and  reputation  ;  and  being  in  the 
sixty-sixth  year  of  his  age,  he  announced  his  determination 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  151 

of  declining  a  re-election,"  in  an  address  to  the  people,  in 
which  he  earnestly  exhorts  them  to  preserve  the  union  of  the 
States,  "  indignantly  frowning  upon  the  first  dawning  of 
every  attempt  to  alienate  any  portion  of  our  country  from 
the  rest ;"  and  "  distrusting  the  patriotism  of  those  who,  in 
any  quarter,  may  endeavor  to  weaken  the  bands  which  now 
link  together  the  various  parts." 

To  shun  all  combinations  and  associations  for  political  pur 
poses,  as  destructive  of  the  principles  of  our  government. 

To  guard  against  innovation  upon  its  principles,  which  may 
be  done  by  altering  the  Constitution  gradually,  and  thus 
undermine  what  cannot  be  directly  overthrown. 

To  avoid  parties  and  party  spirit — the  worst  enemy  of  popu 
lar  governments,  "  which  in  different  ages  and  countries 
has  perpetrated  the  most  horrid  enormities,  is  itself  a  fright 
ful  despotism,  but  leads  at  length  to  a  more  permanent 
one."  "  Its  continual  mischiefs  are  sufficient  to  make  it  the 
duty  of  a  wise  people  to  discourage  and  restrain  it."  "  It 
serves  always  to  distract  and  enfeeble  the  public  adminis 
tration.  It  agitates  the  community  with  unfounded  jeal 
ousies  and  false  alarms,  kindles  the  animosity  of  one  party 
against  another,  foments  occasional  riot  and  insurrection. 
It  opens  the  door  to  foreign  influence  and  corruption,  which 
find  a  facilitated  access  to  the  government  itself  through 
the  channels  of  party  passions  :  thus  the  policy  and  will  of 
one  country  are  subjected  to  the  policy  and  will  of  another." 

To  promote,  as  an  object  of  primary  importance,  institutions 
for  the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge. 

To  prepare  for  war  in  times  of  peace. 

To  observe  good  faith  and  justice  to  foreign  nations. 

To  promote  virtue  and  morality,  being  cautious  how  we  indulge 
the  opinion  that  it  can  be  done  without  the  aid  of  religion. 

To  confine  the  administrators  of  government  in  their  con 
stitutional  spheres,  so  one  department  do  not  encroach  on 
another. 

To  avoid  antipathies  against  particular  nations,  and  passionate 
attachments  to  others. 


152  THOMAS   HEDGES   GEK1N. 

And  to  have  as  little  political  connection  with  foreign  nations 
as  possible,  that  we  be  not  involved  in  their  broils. 

In  offering  his  countrymen  this  advice,  "  he  dared  not  hope 
it  would  control  the  passions,  or  prevent  our  nation  from  run 
ning  the  course  which  had  hitherto  marked  the  destiny  of 
nations  ;  but  nattered  himself  that  it  might  be  productive  of 
some  partial  benefit,  moderate  the  fury  of  party  spirit,  warn 
against  the  mischiefs  of  foreign  intrigue,  and  guard  against 
the  impostures  of  pretended  patriotism. 

Soon  after  his  retirement  from  the  Presidency  of  the  Union, 
the  voice  of  his  country  again  called  him  to  lead  her  armies 
and  avenge  her  injuries.  Though  unwilling,  he  felt  it  his 
duty  to  obey  the  summons.  France  had  flagrantly  violated 
our  rights,  and  refused  or  neglected  to  atone.  Convinced  of 
this,  he  would  not  "  intrench  himself  behind  his  age  and  in 
firmities,"  but  proceeded  to  organize  the  legions  of  war.  On 
the  accession  of  Bonaparte  to  the  government  of  France,  he 
composed  the  growing  quarrel ;  but  Washington  was  num 
bered  with  the  dead  before  tidings  of  this  reconciliation 
reached  our  shores.  Full  of  days  and  glory,  he  retired  to 
slumber  with  his  fathers.  Full  forty-five  out  of  sixty-seven 
years  and  nine  months  he  had  lived  for  his  country.  No  man 
had  conferred  equal  benefits  on  his  nation  or  on  his  race.  His 
fall  drew  tears  from  millions.  The  veteran  warrior,  who  had 
waded  with  him  through  the  gloom  of  his  country's  misfor 
tunes  ;  the  matron  who  had  been  saved  by  his  valor ;  the 
statesman  whom  his  arm  had  shielded  and  vindicated ;  the 
blooming  youth  whose  heart  had  been  fired  by  the  story  of 
his  deeds ;  the  philosophers,  the  friends  of  civil  liberty,  and 
the  good  of  every  clime,  deplored  his  doom.  Their  com 
mon  father  was  no  more  ;  their  great  exemplar  had  become 
the  victim  of  all-conquering  death ;  the  instructor  of  nations, 
the  pride  of  human  nature,  could  only  be  seen  and  contem 
plated  in  his  works, — works  pregnant  with  the  happiness  of 
man  !  Let  those  who  cry  their  party  follies,  and  move  the 
genius  of  faction,  cast  one  look  at  the  lesson  of  the  mighty 
dead,  and  learn  the  impropriety  of  their  conduct.  Yes,  ye 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  153 

who  endeavored  to  alarm  your  simpler  fellow-countrymen 
with  the  appellations  of  federalism  and  democracy  ;  you  who 
live  in  the  rays  of  peace,  and  gather  harvests  over  the  grave 
of  the  martyrs  of  liberty,  listen  to  the  counsels  of  the  best  of 
men  and  greatest  of  patriots,  and  resolve,  if  you  revere  his 
memory,  respect  his  wisdom,  or  love  your  country,  never  more 
to  nourish  party  spirit,  so  emphatically  by  him  pronounced 
dangerous  to  its  happiness  and  liberty.  Or  if  you  would 
judge  for  yourselves,  uninfluenced  by  his  opinion,  search  the 
long  records  of  ages  past.  See  Carthage  ruined  by  factions'; 
hear  Athens  groaning  beneath  her  thirty  tyrants  ;  view  Rome 
deluged  in  the  blood  of  her  citizens,  and  her  government 
overthrown  ;  see  Poland  rendered  contemptible,  and  finally 
partitioned  by  her  neighbors  ;  observe  France  seeking  shelter 
in  despotism  ;  and  see  the  energies  of  our  own  country  half 
paralyzed  in  the  late  contest  with  Britain  through  the  ascend 
ency  of  party  spirit.  Go  contemplate  the  miseries  it  has  pro 
duced,  the  republics  it  has  destroyed,  the  blood  it  has  effused, 
and  then  be  convinced,  if  you  can,  that  parties  are  useful  in 
a  State  to  any  but  knaves — that  they  are  not,  in  the  language 
of  Swift,  "  the  madness  of  many  for  the  benefit  of  a  few  ;" 
the  mean  which  vice  employs  to  set  itself  above  virtue ;  which 
ignorance  approves,  because  it  exalts  her  over  knowledge ; 
which  folly  adores,  because  it  raises  her  over  wisdom ;  which 
the  unworthy,  the  madly  ambitious  of  every  clime,  have  advo 
cated  ;  which  the  good  and  the  wise  of  all  countries  have 
condemned ;  which  Robespierre  adored,  and  Washington  de 
spised. 

Let  not  those  who  love  liberty  foster  an  instrument  of  tyr 
anny.  The  errors  of  well  meaning  ignorance  may  be  dis 
covered  too  late  for  correction.  When  some  ill-designing 
knave  shall  drag  the  majority,  chained  by  their  prejudices  to 
his  car,  triumphantly  ov<ar  our  constitutional  limits,  bearing 
off  our  palladium,  and  the  sting  of  despotism  wounds,  then, 
from  the  babbling  of  beardless  boys,  catch-penny  patriots,  and 
thoughtless  propagators  of  corruption,  all  eyes  will  turn  to 
wards  the  maxims  and  principles  of  him  who  advised  his  coun 
trymen  without  an  intention,  or  motive,  to  deceive  them,  as 


154:  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Dives  looked  from  the  fiery  gulf  to  Abraham's  bosom,  and  as 
the  prodigal  son  reverted  to  his  father's  house.  Experience 
gives  sagacity  to  fools ;  but  her  instruction  is  often  dear,  and 
may  come  too  late  to  be  useful.  It  is  the  privilege  of  wisdom 
to  see  what  folly  is  obliged  to  feel.  When  office-seekers  rec 
ommend  faction,  when  they  solicit  you  to  prostitute  your 
votes  on  the  ignorant  or  vicious — tell  them  to  excel  Washing 
ton  in  wisdom  before  they  dispute  his  precepts,  and  prove,  like 
him,  devoted  to  their  country's  welfare  before  they  require  the 
rejection  of  his  counsels  for  the  adoption  of  theirs.  So  they 
may  discover  that  their  folly  or  knavery  is  detected,  and  you 
be  enabled  to  avoid  their  errors.  The  motives  and  views  of 
men  who  contradict,  or  disregard  the  counsel  of  our  greatest 
friend,  should  never  pass  unobserved.  We  should  ever  re 
member  that  none  can  have  greater  claims  than  he  on  our 
confidence,  on  the  score  of  integrity  or  wisdom.  When  we 
see  him  exhorting  his  soldiers  to  obey  the  laws,  and  confide 
in  the  justice  of  their  country,  resisting  the  temptation  to  em 
ploy  them  for  his  own  aggrandizement;  when  we  see  him 
refusing  all  emoluments  attached  to  the  several  high  and  labo 
rious  offices  which  he  filled ;  when  we  see  him  sacrificing  pri 
vate  friendships  and  enmities  to  the  public  good ;  when  we 
see  him  firmly  breasting  popular  prejudice,  and  nobly  risking 
his  popularity  in  support  of  his  country's  honor;  when  we 
behold  him  venturing  his  life  and  his  fortune  for  our  liberty, 
and  ranging  through  deadly  fields  in  pursuit  of  freedom,  or 
honorable  death,  can  we  doubt  that  the  happiness  and  glory 
of  his  country  inspired  his  advice  ? 

The  Congress  who  conferred  his  commission  was  composed 
of  no  vulgar  statesmen.  They  met  not  to  talk,  but  to  act. 
"  Lords  of  the  lion  heart  and  eagle  eye,"  they  had  boldness  to 
dare,  and  penetration  to  discover  the  means  of  accomplishing 
their  great  designs.  High  in  danger,  as  in  honor,  their  safety 
demanded  the  exertion  of  their  best  judgment  in  the  selection 
of  a  commander  in  chief.  The  gilded  insects  of  peaceful  days 
were  then  seldom  seen  disporting  around  the  helm  of  state. 
Intrigue  and  favoritism  were  unknown,  or  comparatively  silent 
beneath  the  frowns  of  gigantic  peril.  That  Congress  sought 


PROSE   WETTINGS.  155 

merit,  and  found  it  in  Washington.  Let  not  him,  then,  be 
considered  deficient  in  wisdom  or  knowledge,  to  whom  such  a 
Congress,  on  so  great  an  occasion,  gave  so  important  a  trust ; 
whose  disapprobation  could  induce  them  to  alter  their  resolves ; 
and  who,  at  an  embarrassing  state  of  our  affairs,  could  preside 
over  this  infant  republic  for  eight  years  with  superior  success. 
No  other  man  has  given  so  much  proof  of  patriotism  and 
abilities  united  in  the  same  person,  or  has  more  deserved  the 
implicit  confidence  of  his  countrymen.  He  stood  unblamed 
and  uncorrupted  on  the  dizzy  height  of  prosperity ;  (how  few, 
alas !  have  deserved  the  praise !)  On  his  life  the  muse  of 
moral  wisdom  delights  to  dwell.  He  has  proved  worthy  of 
admiration,  of  imitation,  of  immortal  renown,  which  philan 
thropy  and  virtue  will  celebrate  through  succeeding  ages; 
which  will  resound  in  the  songs  of  future  bards,  when  the 
freedom  and  dignity  of  man  is  their  theme.  Should  we,  then, 
disregard  his  admonitions,  and  listen  to  persons  of  doubtful 
integrity  and  inferior  wisdom?  Yield  certainty  for  uncer 
tainty — the  tried  counsellor  for  the  untried  ?  May  not  his  pa 
triotism  or  wisdom  be  distrusted,  who  denies  the  correctness 
of  his  precepts,  approved  by  history,  the  voice  of  the  wise  of 
other  days,  and  communicated  at  the  close  of  a  glorious  and 
useful  life,  from  his  lofty  and  divine  seat,  the  most  exalted 
eminence  which  fancy  can  conceive — the  hearts  of  the  wise 
and  good  ?  If  a  people  disregard  counsels  emanating  from 
such  sacred  height,  may  they  not  justly  be  accused  of  that 
madness  with  which  Heaven  afflicts  those  intended  for  de 
struction  ? 

Nations  are  generally  deluded  of  their  liberty.  It  is  seized 
by  wolves  in  the  garb  of  sheep.  When  a  demagogue  would 
imitate  Julius  Csesar,  he  will  pretend  to  the  moderation  and 
virtue  of  Washington.  Heed  not,  therefore,  the  tongues  of 
men,  but  observe  their  actions.  Learn  from  their  fruits  the 
sincerity  of  their  professions.  Know  they  have  their  own, 
and  not  the  good  of  their  country  in  view,  who  create  parties 
or  factions,  notwithstanding  they  loudly  proclaim  that  Wash 
ington  is  their  guide.  As  vice  assumes  the  appearance  of  vir 
tue,  that  it  may  receive  the  homage  of  the  good ;  so  his  prin- 


156  THOMAS   HEDGES   G-ENTN. 

ciples  have  been  professed,  and  his  name  invoked,  by  those 
whose  actions  evinced  that  they  were  not  influenced  by  the 
one,  nor  regardful  of  the  other.  Base  ingratitude  !  ungener 
ous  insult  to  the  virtuous  patriot,  who  sleeps  in  death,  to  pro 
fess  to  be  directed  by  his  principles,  while  you  blow  the  fires 
of  faction  ;  decry  knowledge  by  exalting  ignorance ;  condemn 
virtue  by  promoting  the  vicious ;  hasten  the  disunion  of  the 
States,  by  expressing  fears  and  arguments  of  its  necessity, 
and  precipitate  your  country  into  war,  by  exciting  prejudices 
against  particular  nations  and  undue  attachments  to  others ! 
Associate  not  that  name,  so  dear  to  social  order,  so  dear  to 
the  friends  of  civil  liberty,  with  practices  so  injurious  to  our 
country's  welfare. 

How  much  cause  have  we  to  rejoice  at  his  birth,  whose  valor 
and  wisdom  so  conspicuously  aided  in  founding  our  repub 
lic,  and  who  still  in  the  pages  of  his  Farewell  Address,  would 
shield  it  from  its  enemies ;  by  whose  assistance  we  established 
a  government,  which  is  the  hope  of  mankind ;  and  by  the  story 
of  whose  life  we  are  enabled  to  indulge  the  proud  reflection, 
that  our  country  has  given  the  human  race  its  most  glori 
ous  ornament  and  sincerest  friend.  The  thraldom  escaped, 
the  blessings  obtained,  and  the  importance  acquired  by  this 
nation  under  his  direction,  might  fill  each  bosom  with  gener 
ous  sentiments,  and  induce  the  votaries  of  freedom  to  hail  with 
joyful  emotion  the  return  of  that  day,  by  his  birth  made  big 
with  the  glory  of  human  nature,  and  the  dignity  and  happi 
ness  of  millions. 

But  while  we  rejoice  for  the  blessings  he  conferred,  it  were 
ignoble  and  unwise  not  to  partake  of  his  solicitude  for  the  fu 
ture.  Unceasing  vigilance  is  necessary  to  preserve  what  cost 
our  fathers  and  him  so  much  to  obtain.  Let  us  therefore  pro 
mote  the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge,  which  he  recommends 
"  as  an  object  of  primary  importance,"  and  which  is  necessary 
to  frustrate  the  designs  of  factionaries,  and  detect  the  strata 
gems  of  ambition.  It  will  insure  excellence  in  arts  and  sci 
ences,  and  simplicity  and  dispatch  in  the  administration  of  the 
government.  In  obtaining  knowledge,  men  imperceptibly  ac 
quire  virtue,  and  are  unfitted  to  be  the  caterers,  dupes,  or  tools 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  157 

of  faction.     It  presents  the  deformity  of  vice,  "  which  to  be 
hated  needs  but  to  be  seen."     Its  radiance  exposes  those  un 
principled  agitators  of  States,  who  delight  in  the  gloom  of 
ignorance,  and  would  destroy  the  political  fabric,  that  they 
might  rise  to  importance   amidst  its  ruins.     As  it  guards 
against  internal,  as  well  as  external  enemies,  we  might,  while 
appropriating  millions  for  defense  against  the  latter,  do  well 
to  remember  that  money  could  be  usefully  expended  in  guard 
ing  against  the  former,  the  most  dangerous  to  republics.     Be 
sides,  the  ambition  of  literary  excellence  ought  to  animate  a 
people,  whose  government  possesses  superior  perfection,  and 
invites  intellectual  enterprise.     Under  its  benign  influence, 
the  human  mind  may  be  expected  to  form  loftier  designs,  and 
take  bolder  excursions  than  in  countries  less  favored  of  lib 
erty.     Should  we,  then,  suffer  the  gifts  scattered  promiscu 
ously  among  us,  to  be  like  seed  thrown  upon  a  rock,  or  like 
gems  in  "  the  deep,  unfathomed  caves  of  ocean,"  or  flowers 
that  bloom  unseen,  "  and  waste  their  sweetness  on  the  desert 
air  ?"     Apply  the  chisel  of  education  to  the  shapeless  stone, 
and  grace  and  beauty  will  be  developed.     A  liberal  system  of 
education  would  be  our  glory,  as  our  shield.     Nor  should  we 
grudge  the  cost  of  obtaining  an  object,  by  Washington  and 
the  most  distinguished  philosophers  considered  necessary  to 
the  existence  of  republican  government.     What  our  fathers 
ventured  their  property  and  lives  to  obtain,  should  we  refuse 
to  preserve,  because  of  the  expense  of  its  preservation  ?     It  is 
not  only  our  duty  to  deliver  the  liberty  we  received  from  our 
ancestors  unimpaired  to  posterity;   but  by  practising  their 
precepts,  progress  in  the  improvement  they  begun,  and  accom 
pany  it  with  additional  security  in  the  increased  ability  of  the 
people  for  self-government. 

Why  should  we  boast  of  our  superior  institutions,  our  civil 
and  religious  liberty ;  that  our  humblest  and  proudest  citizens 
submit  alike  to  the  majesty  of  the  laws ;  and  that  we  are  gov 
erned  by  rules  of  our  own  construction — unless  we  promote 
what  alone  can  insure  their  continuance  and  respectability  ? 
Why  is  our  government  the  boast  of  philosophy,  and  the  pride 
of  science,  unless  we,  who  are  so  much  indebted  to  them  for 


158  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

its  blessings,  contribute  nobly  towards  their  general  diffusion 
among  the  people  ?  May  that  which  gave  existence  to  our 
institutions,  be  provided  to  guard  and  preserve  them  !  May 
we  be  first  in  knowledge,  as  in  liberty — that  when  foreign  na 
tions,  admiring  the  perfection  and  solidity  of  our  free  institu 
tions,  observe  the  general  intelligence  and  magnanimity  of 
the  people,  they  may  exclaim,  "  Such  will  deserve  the  felicity 
they  enjoy,  who  impose  on  themselves  burdens  to  improve  and 
dignify  human  nature,  and  perpetuate  their  pre-eminent  privi 
leges.  Kings  may  envy  their  prosperity,  and  repine  at  their 
successful  experiment  in  government,  which  refutes  the  propo 
sition,  that  a  people  cannot  be  sufficiently  enlightened  to  gov 
ern  themselves." 

Could  our  liberties  be  preserved  without  intelligence  in  the 
people,  or  should  the  riches  expended  in  giving  the  intelligence 
be  preferred  to  liberty,  we  might  treat  the  subject  of  general  in 
struction  with  indifference.    But  liberty  is  not  only  preferable 
to  riches,  but  to  life ;  and  as  light  is  not  more  necessary  to 
vision  than  knowledge  to  those  who  govern  themselves,  we 
cannot  be  indifferent  to  the  general  diffusion  of  information, 
without  an  equal  indifference  to  liberty  itself.     By  leaving 
our  children  secured  in  the  enjoyment  of  our  freedom,  we  shall 
do  them  more  service  than  the  wealth  expended  in  providing 
the  security  could  possibly  confer.     And  as  liberty  would 
scarce  be  a  blessing  to  posterity,  unless  accompanied  with 
knowledge,  its  general  dissemination  is  a  duty  we  owe  them, 
and  the  martyrs  of  the  revolution,  who  perished  in  ways  un 
numbered,  in  prison  ships,  and  in  the  tempest  of  battle.    This 
performed,  we  shall  grace  the  dignity  and  merit  the  happiness 
their  valor  bestowed.     Then,  though  fatal  accident,  pernicious 
vice,  or  civil  discord,  shall  in  future  days  demolish  this  man- 
exalting  structure  of  civil  polity,  we  cannot  justly  be  accused 
of  having  sown  the  seeds  of  its  ruin,  by  permitting  ignorance 
to  abound,  and  the  generation  succeeding  us  to  wander  in 
darkness,  exposed  to  the  depredations  of  cunning  demagogues, 
and  the  arts  of  foreign  intrigue ;  but  will  deserve  the  distin 
guished  honor  of  being  deemed  worthy  of  Washington. 


PEOSE  WRITINGS.  159 


THE  LEXINGTON  MOB  * 

What  is  held  by  force  admits  not  of  discussion.  I  do  not 
allude  to  what  is  held  against  the  negroes,  but  to  what  is  held 
against  the  non-slaveholding  whites.  This  class  has  the  value 
of  its  labor  reduced  very  low,  by  the  competition  of  slave-labor, 
and  its  lands  depressed  in  value  by  the  existence  of  slavery. 
Some  600,000  whites  in  Kentucky  are  seriously  injured,  in  all 
their  interests,  for  the  accommodation  of  some  30,000  slave 
holders.  These  well  know  that  their  non-slaveholding  popula 
tion  will  submit  to  the  disadvantages  of  slavery  only  so  long 
as  they  are  kept  in  darkness.  Hence  common  schools  have 
met  with  little  or  no  favor  in  all  the  slave  States.  Hence  force 
is  so  readily  applied  to  prevent  discussion ;  for  discussion 
brings  light,  and  light  will  show  the  interests  of  a  large 
majority  sacrificed  to  the  convenience  of  a  small  minority. 
This  majority,  if  enlightened,  would  make  less  serviceable 
brutes  for  drawing  the  car  of  slavery  ;  they  might  even  think, 
like  our  mechanics,  that  unpaid  and  coarse  fed  penitentiary  or 
slave  labor  ought  not,  for  the  profit  of  the  State  or  a  lordly 
slaveholder,  to  come  in  competition  with  their  own,  since  they 
have  families  to  feed,  clothe,  and  school ;  and  therefore  must 
get  for  their  labor  more  than  what  will  merely  serve  to  coarsely 
feed  and  clothe  the  laborer.  It  is  this  white,  non-slavehold 
ing  population  that  the  slaveholder  is  afraid  of,  and  wishes 
therefore  to  preserve  from  Cassius  M.  Clay's  paper.  They 
have  no  serious  apprehension  that  publications  that  recommend 
to  the  slaves  non-resistance,  submission  and  forgiveness,  as 
such  papers  as  Clay's  do,  when  they  address  the  slaves  at  all, 
will  stir  up  rebellion  in  that  class ;  especially  as  they  know 
their  slaves  cannot  read.  No,  they  fear  that  greatly  injured 
class  whom  they  have  tried  to  keep  in  ignorance,  even  when 
pretending  to  favor  their  education,  denominated  poor  whites. 

There  lies  before  me  Duff  Green's  United  States  Telegraph 
of  September  15,  1835.     It  contains  a  prospectus  for  a  news- 

*  First  published  in  the  Belmont  Chronicle,  September  5, 1845. 


160  THOMAS   HEDGES   GE1ON. 

paper,  the  Examiner,  to  be  devoted,  lie  says,  "  to  the  vindica 
tion  of  the  rights  and  interests  of  the  slaveholders  of  the  South." 
He  remarks,  "  the  South  has  nothing  to  fear  from  a  servile 
war.  "We  do  not  believe  that  the  abolitionists  intend,  nor 
could  they  if  they  would  excite  the  slaves  to  insurrection. 
The  danger  of  this  is  remote.  We  believe  that  we  have  the 
most  to  fear  from  the  organized  action  upon  the  consciences, 
and  fears  of  the  slaveholders  themselves  ;  from  the  insinuation 
of  their  dangerous  heresies  into  our  schools,  our  pulpits,  and 
our  domestic  circles  /  the  abolitionists  can  only  thereby  accom 
plish  their  object."  "We  must  satisfy  the  consciences  and 
allay  the  fears  of  our  own  people.  We  must  satisfy  them  that 
slavery  is  of  itself  right ;  that  it  is  not  a  sin  against  God ;  that 
it  is  not  an  evil,  moral  or  political." 

Poor  man !  in  offering  himself  as  pope  to  absolve  for  the 
sin  of  slavery,  the  slaveholders  could  see  only  the  merit  of 
good  intention ;  for  the  Examiner  soon  expired  for  want  of 
support.  They  know  too  well  the  folly  of  contending  with 
Truth.  Discussion  they  abhor.  By  force  they  hold  their 
prey ;  and  by  force  exerted  through  mobs,  they  will,  if  they 
can,  repress  all  discussion  touching  the  propriety  of  sacrificing 
the  interests  of  600,000  whites,  to  the  convenience  of  a  class  of 
some  30,000.  A  resort  to  force  is  the  old  trick  of  aristocracies. 
Does  Tiberius  Gracchus  attempt  to  advance  the  interests  of  the 
common  people  ?  The  aristocrats  know  how  to  make  that  very 
people  kill  him.  Does  his  brother  Caius  attempt  the  same  thing  ? 
He  meets  the  same  fate.  Does  Cassius  attempt  a  distribution 
of  land  among  the  people,  land  got  by  war,  and  unjustly 
appropriated  by  the  aristocrats  to  themselves?  A  plan  to 
ruin  him  is  forthwith  contrived ;  nor  three  consulships  and  two 
triumphs,  nor  the  remembrance  of  his  great  actions,  could  save 
him.  The  people,  acting  as  the  blind  tools  of  the  aristocrats, 
condemned  Cassius  to  die,  and  the  quaestors  instantly  threw 
him  from  the  Tarpeian  rock  in  their  presence.  Deprived 
thus  of  their  dog,  the  sheep  were  at  the  mercy  of  the  wolves, 
at  whose  artful  suggestion  they  had  destroyed  him.  The 
aristocracy  "  rose  in  contempt  for  the  people,  who  lost  courage 
in  proportion,  and  soon  reproached  themselves  with  injustice 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  161 

as  well  as  imprudence,  in  the  condemnation  of  the  zealous 
defender  of  their  interest." 

The  case  of  Melius  and  Manlius,  in  short,  the  history  of  all 
aristocracies,  is  similar.  Whoever  attempts  to  invade  what 
the  aristocrats  term  their  rights  and  privileges,  in  order  to 
promote  the  interests  of  the  people,  will  meet  with  fraud  and 
violence.  The  people  readily  listen  to  the  wolf,  and  follow 
him  as  their  leader,  if  he  assumes  a  suitable  name.  They  are 
made  to  kill  their  best  friends  and  destroy  their  best  institu 
tions,  to  benefit  the  cunning  few,  who  hold  them  in  contempt, 
and  only  natter  to  betray  them.  A  good  writer,  remarking 
on  the  struggles  between  the  nobles  and  the  people  of  Rome, 
says  that  "  prejudice  and  passion  appear  to  have  governed  the 
people,  without  the  least  appearance  of  their  being  rational 
creatures,  or  moral  agents ;  such  was  their  ignorance  of  arts 
and  letters,  all  the  little  advantages  of  education  which  then 
existed  being  monopolized  by  the  patricians."  Those  who 
seek  to  enslave  will  not  seek  to  enlighten.  The  horse,  if  he 
knew  his  power,  would  not  let  a  puny  boy  abuse  him. 


OBJECT  OF  THE  SLAVE  POWER 

ARBITRARY  Governments  let  the  people  talk  and  publish  on 
all  subjects  but  such  as  weaken  the  power  of  the  Govern 
ment.  As  yet,  Americans  may  discuss  all  subjects  but  that 
of  Slavery.  Such  discussion  assails  the  actual  government 
of  the  Union,  or  those  who  wield  it.  Usurpers  seize  one 
privilege  at  a  time.  What  indirectly  affects  the  slave  oli 
garchy  is  not  yet  forbid  to  be  discussed.  Let  us  then  improve 
the  day  of  freedom  while  it  lasts,  for  the  night  of  despotism 
may  not  be  far  off.  The  purchasers  of  medicinal  pills  are 
often  cautioned  against  counterfeits.  Let  the  taker  of  polit 
ical  pills  scrutinize  their  composition  rather  than  the  name 
on  their  envelope.  The  true  republican  pill  contains  no  anti- 
protective  nor  pro-slavery  ingredients.  Its  operation  will  not 
11 


162  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

bring  us  at  the  feet  of  foreign  nations,  nor  bow  down  the 
mass  of  the  people  of  the  South  and  North  to  the  slave  oli 
garchy. 

It  has  been  stated  that  the  object  of  this  oligarchy  was, 
above  all  things,  the  advancement  of  its  own  power,  even  at 
the  temporary  expense  of  its  own  pocket ;  that  it  was  distinct 
and  separate  from  the  mass  of  the  Southern  people ;  and  that 
to  subserve  its  main  object,  it  sought  to  reduce  the  great  body 
of  the  people  (unschooled)  of  the  South,  as  well  as  the  free 
men  of  the  North,  to  a  level  with  the  laborers  of  Europe,  by 
the  following,  among  other  measures  : 

1.  Free   trade,  to  bring  the  ill  fed,  low  paid  laborer  of 
Europe  in  competition  with  ours,  driving  our  mechanics  from 
employment,  and  destroying  the  farmer's  home  market,  and 
making  wages  as  low  as  in  Europe.    They  would  have  foreign 
pauper  labor  as  well  as  slave  labor  in  grinding  competition 
with  free  white  labor,  to  prepare  the  whites  for  slavery. 

2.  Granting  the  public  lands  to  a  few,  under  the  operation 
of  the  treaty  with  Texas  (an  index  of  their  views),  that  when 
the  mechanics  and  others  are  crowded  out  of  business,  they 
may  not  find  shelter,  even  in  the  wilderness,  except  as  renters, 
day  laborers,  etc.,  at  low  wages. 

3.  Direct  taxation,  resulting  from  free  trade ;  and  driving 
small  freeholders  into  the  class  of  renters  or  into  beggary,  and 
increasing  largely  the  Executive  patronage. 

4.  A  standing  army  of  200,000  men  to  enforce  the  last 
measure  and  tame  the  spirits  of  the  people,  governed  in  time 
of  peace  by  the  rules  and  articles  of  war. 

5.  The  sub-treasury  to  lock  up  the  specie  and  control  the 
money  concerns  of  the  country  and  all  connected  therewith. 

6.  War,  to  aggravate  the  foregoing  measures ;  its  miseries 
falling  heaviest  on  the  middle  class  and  the  poor.     The  clique 
would  gain  offices  and  army  contracts  by  it.     They  tried  to 
get  us  into  a  war  by  the  Texas  treaty,  without  the  interven 
tion  of  Congress.     They  would  rule  without  consulting  the 
people. 

Some  may  think  that  experiments  enough  have  been  tried, 
under  cover  of  Jackson's  popularity,  to  prove  that  one  might 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  163 

attempt  to  assume  kingly  power  without  much  risk  to  him 
self,  provided  he  retained  the  republican  name  and  forms  of 
proceeding,  like  Caesar  and  others.  The  negligence  of  many 
to  attend  elections  has  been  supposed  to  invite  usurpation,  and 
to  show  an  indifference  as  to  who  ruled.  But  sluggishness 
from  a  feeling  of  security  is  far  from  indifference.  It  would 
be  of  little  use,  however,  for  these  virgins  to  awake  too  late. 
The  death  of  republics  has  always  been  preceded  by  sleep. 
The  people  have  generally  forged  their  own  chains,  adopting 
measure  after  measure,  under  false  guides,  until  their  liberties 
vanished.  Sometimes  not  discovering  the  loss  during  the  first 
tyrant's  reign ;  for,  though  holding  the  rod,  he  did  not  see  fit 
to  be  cruel.  Worried  by  their  own  misgovernment,  while 
being  prepared  for  the  yoke,  they  might  even  have  thought 
they  had  hit,  at  last,  upon  a  happy  expedient,  in  finding  a 
ruler  who  knew  how  to  be  re-elected  during  his  life,  and  to 
have  his  heir  elected  after  his  death  without  an  opponent. 
Rome  lost  her  liberties  long  before  Tiberius  made  her  yelp 
under  the  scourge. 

What  an  aspirant  might  effect  after  the  measures  above 
mentioned  had  fully  gone  into  operation  ;  after  free  trade  had 
driven  the  mechanics  upon  overdone  and  pining  husbandry, 
and  this  had  thrown  them  back  upon  the  army  and  navy ; 
and  these,  surcharged,  had  tossed  them  on  the  poor-house  or 
the  wilderness  ;  after  an  army  of  excise  officers  had  overrun 
the  country  and  swelled  the  tide  of  beggary,  and  American 
reached  the  level  of  European  wages  ;  after  the  sub-treasury 
had  exerted  its  strength  and  showed  the  money  power  whom 
it  must  obey;  after  the  200,000  men  had  come  under  the 
lash,  and  become  the  giant  tool  of  the  government ;  after  war 
had  added  his  impoverishing  and  distressing  influence  ;  after, 
in  short,  the  aspirant  could  tempt  for  poverty,  overawe  with 
the  lash  the  treasury  and  the  sword,  aided  by  his  excisemen 
and  spies  thrust  into  every  nook  and  corner,  I  see  not  why 
he  should  delay  issuing  letters  of  nobility  to  the  clique.  The 
spirit  of  Slavery,  I  doubt  not,  looks  to  anti-tariff  and  free 
trade  as  the  most  important  of  its  measures.  It  has  already 
attempted  to  infect  the  abolition  party  with  the  doctrine. 


164:  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

How  ghastly  would  be  the  smile  of  the  demon  to  see  both 
democracy  and  abolition  dragging  his  curse-encumbered  meas 
ures  over  the  blasted  hopes  of  three-fourths  of  the  nation. 
But  the  South  is  not  without  its  sentinels.  They  have 
sounded  the  alarm,  and  are  dispersing  the  mists  spread  over 
their  minds  by  the  designing  few,  who  would  help  a  class  at 
the  cost  of  the  people. 

The  slave  oligarchy  seek  to  oppress  the  free  whites  South 
and  North.  Foreign  pauper  labor,  slave  or  penitentiary 
labor,  brought  in  competition  with  other  labor,  soon  brings 
it  down  to  a  level  with  the  labor  of  those  miserable  classes  ; 
and  renders  the  laborers  more  fit  for  slaves,  tame  and  ignorant. 

A  tariff  is  more  for  the  benefit  of  the  nation  than  for  the 
manufacturers.  When  the  farmer  is  protected,  the  manufac 
turer  and  mechanic  are  also  necessarily  protected.  When  the 
farmer  buys  foreign  manufactures  he  buys  as  much  foreign 
grain  as  the  manufacturer  eats,  while  making  the  articles, 
and  deprives  himself  of  a  home  market  for  his  produce  to 
that  extent.  A  tariff  protects  the  farmer  more  than  the 
manufacturer,  for  the  farmer  is  confined  to  the  place ;  the 
manufacturer  is  not  confined  in  the  same  degree.  He  can 
transfer  his  capital  to  the  country  that  offers  him  the  best 
inducements.  Our  manufacturers  may  dread  competition 
with  the  greater  capital  and  cheaper  labor  of  Europe ;  but 
they  have  more  reason  to  dread  the  attacks  of  her  govern 
ments  ;  and  it  is  chiefly  to  be  shielded  from  these  that  they 
ask  the  protection  of  our  own.  It  needs  a  government  to  con 
tend  against  governments.  If  there  were  no  sufficient  tariff 
of  protection,  foreign  governments  could,  in  less  than  eigh 
teen  months,  exterminate  our  manufactures,  by  giving  bounties 
to  their  citizens  or  subjects  for  exporting  their  fabrics  to  this 
country.  These  bounties  would  all  be  got  back  again  after 
our  manufactories  were  destroyed,  in  the  shape  of  an  excise 
imposed  on  those  same  exporters,  who,  for  one  dollar  got  as 
bounty,  could  (on  account  of  the  great  profits  after  they  get 
the  control  of  our  market)  afford  to  pay  back  to  their  govern 
ment  two  dollars  as  excise.  Prices  would  rise  ;  a  duty  would 
still  be  paid  to  government,  but  to  a  foreign  government  in- 


PROSE   WETTINGS.  165 

stead  of  our  own.  The  English  exporter  would  pay  the  duty 
into  English  hands,  on  England's  shore,  and  for  the  support 
of  England's  government,  instead  of  paying  it  into  American 
hands  at  our  custom-house,  and  for  the  support  of  our  own 
government.  Thus,  some  governments  will  have  duties  on 
the  goods  we  consume  ;  for  there  is  no  European  government 
that  will  neglect  to  tax  everything  within  its  reach  that  can 
bear  it ;  and  why  may  not  our  own  government  receive  those 
duties  as  well  as  another  ? 

The  proposition  that  the  consumer  pays  the  duty,  though 
not  true  but  for  a  short  time,  as  to  any  article  we  have  the 
capacity  to  supply  to  the  extent  of  our  consumption,  is  yet 
generally  true  as  to  an  article  which  we  have  not  the  capacity 
to  supply  to  that  extent.  Tea,  coffee  and  sugar  we  have  not 
the  capacity  to  supply  to  the  extent  of  our  wants,  consequently 
the  duty  forms  a  part  of  the  cost ;  and  though  the  price  de 
pends  on  the  supply  and  demand  at  the  time  the  consumer 
buys,  yet  generally  the  price  is  higher  on  account  of  the  duty, 
because  it  is  the  competition  of  foreigners  who  have  all  paid 
a  duty,  that  fixes  the  price^  and  not  the  competition  of  our 
citizens.  The  competition  of  foreigners  may  sometimes,  for 
a  few  months,  reduce  prices ;  but  this  reduction  gives  them 
the  hint  not  to  return  until  there  is  a  prospect  of  good  profits. 
Not  so  with  domestic  competition,  which  keeps  prices  per 
manently  down  to  the  living  point.  The  manufacturer  with 
his  buildings,  machinery,  hands  and  raw  materials,  must  suf 
fer  great  loss  if  he  stop  business  to  wait  for  high  prices.  He 
goes  ahead,  continues  to  buy  the  farmer's  produce,  employ 
the  laborer,  and  furnish  a  cheap  article  of  clothing.  If  we 
had  the  capacity  to  supply  ourselves  with  sugar,  as  we  have 
to  supply  ourselves  with  hats,  shoes,  woollens,  cottons,  etc., 
the  duty  on  foreign  sugar  would  generally  fall  on  the  foreign 
producer,  because  the  domestic  competition  in  the  article 
would  determine  the  price.  If  there  is  a  business  in  a  coun 
try  more  profitable  than  other  pursuits,  capital  flies  to  it,  until 
it  establishes  an  equilibrium  between  them,  just  as  water  flows 
until  it  finds  a  level.  The  more  permanence  and  confidence 
is  given  to  a  business,  the  more  it  will  be  followed,  and  the 
cheaper  its  products  will  be  afforded. 


166  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIK. 

Foreign  governments  have  given  permanent  protection  to 
the  capital  and  industry  of  their  people,  who  know  to-day 
where  they  will  find  their  rulers  twenty  years  hence.  They 
arrange  accordingly.  This  gives  a  great  advantage  over  us, 
independent  of  their  greater  capital  and  cheaper  labor.  If 
it  he  true  that  our  manufacturers  make  great  profits,  what 
prevents  a  rush  of  capital  into  the  business  but  distrust  of  our 
laws  ?  Will  capital  not  seek  the  best  investment  ?  And  if  it 
will,  what  danger  can  there  be  that  exorbitant  profits  can  be 
long  enjoyed  ?  The  rivalry  of  capital  soon  brings  down 
prices ;  and  when  these  get  too  low  in  one  it  quickly  finds 
another  pursuit.  If  we  would  have  capital  wed  with  our  la 
bor,  and  give  the  farmer  a  home  market,  we  must  protect  it 
against  foreign  governments.  If  we  do  not,  then  foreign  la 
bor,  as  low  fed  and  almost  as  ill  paid  as  our  penitentiary 
labor,  will  pour  its  products  upon  us  until  our  mechanics  are 
reduced  to  work  for  a  bare  subsistence,  and  our  manufacturers 
are  driven  to  England  or  France  or  to  other  pursuits.  The 
cotton  planters,  however,  have  less  to  fear  from  this  want  of 
protection  ;  for  Europe  grows  no  cotton  to  pour  back  on  them 
and  drive  theirs  out  of  the  market  and  their  laborors  out  of 
the  field.  As  cotton  and  negroes  keep  up  in  value,  capital 
will  seek  investment  in  them.  But  the  cotton  planter  would 
not  get  goods  cheaper  than  he  now  does.  Foreign  govern 
ments  will  take  care  of  that,  if  the  foreign  manufacturers  and 
merchants  do  not.  He  cannot  escape  the  laws  of  his  condi 
tion.  He  will  get  his  foreign  goods  by  the  same  northern 
ports,  heavily  charged  with  freight,  commissions  and  profits, 
and  at  greater  expense  than  he  now  gets  them  ;  but  the  loss 
will  be  compensated  by  his  satisfaction  at  seeing  that  the 
population  of  the  free  States  is  somewhat  checked,  and  that  a 
part  of  it  has  approximated  to  the  condition  of  his  slaves, 
and  that  he  is  nearer  his  object.  I  allude  of  course  to  one  of 
the  class  who  seek  power  without  regard  to  the  general  wel 
fare,  and  whose  strength  consists  chiefly  in  their  capacity  to 
deceive  honest  men,  by  making  them  draw  a  monarchical 
vehicle,  while  they  think  themselves  attached  to  a  democratic 
one.  Christ  foresaw  that  His  saints  would  be  made  to  drag 
Satan  under  a  better  name ;  He  therefore  wisely  cautioned 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  16 Y 

them  to  judge  the  tree  by  its  fruits.  Let  men  judge  the 
party  by  its  measures ;  and  in  judging  of  measures,  not  en 
tirely  disregard  the  opinions  of  all  our  Presidents. 


ANCIENT  DEMOCRACIES. 

DK.  GILLIES  the  historian  says  that  Democracies  sprang  up 
in  Sicily,  which  universally  ended  in  tyrannies.  Agathocles, 
a  popular  military  leader,  by  general  consent  was  appointed 
guardian  of  the  peace  and  provisional  general  of  the  republic. 
After  taking  an  oath  to  preserve  the  democracy  he  was  en 
trusted  with  a  body  of  troops,  which  he  soon  increased  on 
pretence  of  reducing  some  malcontents  at  Erebita.  He  was 
careful  to  enlist  only  ruffians  and  vagabonds,  who  had  no  sym 
pathies  with  the  great  mass  of  the  people.  He  led  them  against 
the  council  of  six  hundred,  and  then  let  them  loose  on  their 
adherents  belonging  to  every  respectable  family  of  Syracuse ; 
all  parties  were  pillaged  and  murdered  alike.  The  slain  ex 
ceeded  four  thousand,  and  upwards  of  six  thousand  fled  into 
banishment.  The  massacre  lasted  two  days  and  two  nights. 

On  the  third  day  he  summoned  the  citizens  to  the  market 
place  and  told  them  that,  having  purged  the  republic  of  cor 
ruption^  he  now  wished  to  resign.  His  guilty  abettors,  of 
course,  opposed  his  resignation.  He  then,  with  seeming  re 
luctance,  agreed  to  retain  power  on  condition  that  he  were  not 
clogged  with  colleagues.  The  condition  was  accepted,  of 
course,  by  the  murderers  immediately  around  him.  From  this 
time  forward,  though  he  made  no  outward  show  of  royalty,  he 
exercised  the  power  of  a  king,  and  began  to  think  how  he 
could  use  his  democrats  to  most  advantage  in  getting  more 
territory.  The  Carthagenians  held  a  part  of  the  island.  He 
proceeded  to  dislodge  them.  The  towns  of  Messene  and 
Lauromenium  contained  some  citizens  whose  intelligence  and 
virtue  he  feared.  On  pretence  of  laying  important  business 


168  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENES'. 

before  them,  he  got  above  six  hundred  of  them  assembled,  and 
butchered  all.  He  then  set  out  for  Agrigentum  to  execute  that 
town,  but  the  arrival  of  sixty  Carthagenian  ships  saved  it.  The 
Carthagenians  sent  a  large  army  to  oppose  this  annexationist ; 
and  his  democrats  soon  found  themselves  wonderfully  deprived 
of  creature  comforts  and  of  their  relatives.  Being  well  bled 
and  scantily  fed,  they  worked  in  Agathocles'  harness  twenty- 
eight  years  with  great  humility. 

They  were  occasionally  chastised,  to  remind  them  perhaps 
of  his  oath  to  preserve  the  democracy.  For  instance,  the 
Egestans,  not  readily  delivering  their  money  to  him,  he  mas 
sacred  the  largest  portion  of  them,  and  sold  the  boys  and  girls 
to  the  barbarous  Brutii  for  slaves.  The  town,  containing  ten 
thousand  families,  was  depopulated  in  one  miserable  day,  and 
afterwards  became  a  receptacle  for  banditti  and  assassins, 
naturally  abounding  in  a  country  long  engaged  in  war.  He 
did  not  succeed  in  his  scheme  of  annexation  at  last.  Many 
hundred  thousand  lives  were  lost  and  both  Carthage  and  Sicily 
rendered  very  wretched.  The  poor  people,  thus  trodden  under 
foot,  never  threw  their  rider.  He  was  poisoned  by  one  of  his 
household,  a  youth  named  Menon,  whom  he  saved  for  domestic 
servitude  on  the  destruction  of  the  town  of  Egesta.  He  died 
in  his  seventy-second  year.  He  nourished  after  Aristotle 
published  his  work  on  politics,  which  has  been  said  to  contain 
all  the  principles  of  Human  Government.  But  no  people, 
ancient  or  modern,  have  been  too  wise  to  get  a  master,  either 
in  one  man  or  a  clique.  Slavery  has  been  denned  to  be  the 
subjection  of  an  individual  or  a  people  to  the  will  of  another. 
If  the  subjection  is  effected  by  fraud  instead  of  force  it  is  not 
the  less  slavery.  If  a  clique  of  Texan  land  and  scrip  specula 
tors  expended  the  blood  and  treasure  of  a  people  for  their 
private  benefit ;  that  people  are  already  involved  in  practical 
slavery,  while  boasting  of  their  theoretical  liberty ;  a  plight 
often  illustrated  in  the  history  of  former  republics ;  hence  the 
saying  so  frequently  repeated,  that  a  nation  may  lose  its  liberty, 
and  not  discover  the  loss  for  a  hundred  years.  What  the 
Romans  lost  under  Julius  and  Augustus,  they  found  irretriev 
ably  gone  under  the  vicious  Tiberius.  The  experiments  on 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  169 

the  Constitution  tolerated  in  Jackson,  must  necessarily  yield 
their  bitter  fruits  in  the  reigns  of  his  less  virtuous  succes 
sors. 


THE  TKEE  KNOWN  BY  ITS  FKUITS. 

LIBERTY  is  the  security  of  rights  both  of  person  and  property. 
For  this  security  the  people  have  been  driven  by  the  rabble 
to  fly  to  the  Monarch  as  the  lesser  evil.  The  most  common 
means  which  monarchists  employ  to  reach  their  object,  is  to 
urge  democracy  into  licentiousness,  and  thus  make  it  appear 
equally  ridiculous  and  dangerous  to  the  middle  classes ;  who 
for  safety  of  person  and  property,  feel  obliged  to  take  shelter 
under  the  strong  arm  of  a  Cossar,  a  Cromwell,  or  a  Bona 
parte. 

The  philosophers,  who  started  the  French  revolution,  lost 
the  power  of  guiding  it  to  rational  liberty  because  the  mon 
archists  assumed  the  democratic  mantle,  and  in  the  name  of 
liberty  committed  all  sorts  of  ridiculous  and  disgusting  excesses. 
This  gave  the  nation  such  a  dread  of  the  tyranny  of  the  rabble, 
ignorant  attorneys,  apostate  priests  and  judas  demagogues,  that 
it  has  ever  since  pertinaciously  adhered  to  the  monarchical 
form  of  government.  Even  Lafayette,  when  Charles  X.  was 
dethroned,  invited  Louis  Philippe  to  take  the  sceptre.  He 
would  not  place  it  in  the  hands  of  the  people.  He  remembered 
that,  when  liberated  from  the  prison  of  Olmutz,  he  had  fled  to 
despotic  Denmark,  and  there  remained  some  two  years,  and 
until  Napoleon  had  turned  the  legislative  body  out  of  doors 
and  out  of  office,  when  he  ventured  to  return  to  his  native 
France.  Such  had  been  his  confidence  in  what  was  called  a 
republican  government,  that  he  preferred  banishment  to  being 
within  its  power. 

The  monarchists  are  now  agitating  the  poor  class  of  society. 
A  threat  that  the  free  States  should  feel  the  inconvenience  of 
what  the  speaker  was  pleased  to  term  "  their  white  slaves,"  was 
made  a  while  since  on  the  floor  of  Congress,  and  agrarianism 


170  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

was  thenceforth  expected  to  appear.  Several  agrarian  papers 
are  now  published,  sustained,  of  course,  by  the  very  poor  and 
destitute.  The  delusion  has  reached  some  editors  of  other 
papers.  Some  of  them  are  probably  honest ;  mar-plots  often 
are — an(J  still  are  the  most  efficient  tools  of  their  enemies. 

The  monarchists  know  how  to  make  a  people  wise  in  their 
own  conceit.  Every  experiment  on  their  understanding  is 
prefaced  with  compliments  to  their  sagacity.  Thus  made  to 
deem  themselves  exempt  from  error,  they  undermine  the  fabric 
of  liberty  until  it  falls,  without  suspecting  the  misfortune  to 
be  the  necessary  result  of  their  labors.  Only  convince  the 
middle  class  that  their  property  is  in  danger,  and  the  protec 
tion  of  a  monarch  with  his  troops  is  soon  to  be  tolerated  if  not 
invoked.  Every  doubt  created  in  a  republic  as  to  the  safety 
of  person  or  property  is  a  step  towards  monarchy.  Our 
country  has  been  cursed  with  monarchists  ever  since  the 
revolutionary  war.  At  its  close  from  one-fifth  to  one-third  of 
the  population  were  suspected  of  disliking  the  new  state  of 
things.  They  assumed  popular  names  and  bestowed  unpopular 
epithets  on  their  opponents.  Their  fruits  were  seen  formerly 
in  insurrections,  attempts  to  infringe  vested  rights,  and  in 
using  weak  Presidents  for  experiments  on  the  Constitution  to 
see  how  far  the  people  would  permit  its  infringement.  Even 
while  the  virtuous  founders  of  our  government  lived,  these 
foes  of  republicanism  ventured  to  make  their  attacks  through 
the  supposed  ignorance  and  prejudices  of  the  people,  whom 
the  monarchists  never  will  admit  with  sincerity  to  be  capable 
of  self-government.  Take  an  early  instance.  In  the  year 
1780  cur  revolutionary  army  was  paralyzed  by  the  emptiness 
of  the  Treasury,  and  three  hundred  thousand  pounds  were 
raised  by  voluntary  subscription  in  Philadelphia.  This  was 
made  the  basis  of  a  bank  headed  by  Kobert  Morris,  and  it  re 
lieved  the  wants  of  the  army.  Congress,  in  1781,  incorporated 
the  subscribers  to  the  fund  under  the  title  of  "  The  Bank  of 
North  America."  In  1782,  the  Assembly  of  Pennsylvania 
also  incorporated  it.  After  the  war  was  over,  and  the  great 
services  of  the  bank  partially  forgotten  it  was  attacked  with 
the  usual  arguments  addressed  by  knaves  to  fools.  The 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  171 

Assembly  was  petitioned  to  repeal  the  charter ;  a  select  com 
mittee  reported  in  favor  of  the  appeal, — thus  tyrannically  in 
vading  private  property  without  perhaps  suspecting  themselves 
the  select  tools  of  monarchists.  This  was  in  1786.  Thomas 
Paine  came  to  the  rescue.  His  writings  had  done  great  exe 
cution  on  the  monarchists  while  the  sword  was  drawn.  A 
broadside  from  his  ink-horn  against  their  fraud  was  equally 
effective.  He  vigorously  assailed  both  the  assembly  and  the 
petitioners,  and  he  was  given  the  chief  credit  of  averting  the 
contemplated  act  of  despotism.  Doubtless  the  monarchists 
had  a  spite  at  an  institution  that  had  relieved  the  revolution 
ists  in  their  utmost  need,  and  came  near  being  revenged,  by 
exciting  the  people  against  their  benefactors.  Wretched  the 
sheep,  if  the  dogs  are  killed  at  the  suggestion  of  the  wolf! 
"Wretched  the  people  who,  neglecting  to  judge  the  tree  by  its 
fruits,  mistake  names  for  things  /  who  swallow  arsenic,  if  it  be 
styled  democracy,  or  whiggery,  or  abolitionism ;  who  forget 
that  honesty  is  the  best  policy ;  that  righteousness  exalteth  a 
nation ;  that  republics  are  founded  entirely  on  virtue,  and  that 
as  her  precepts  are  disregarded,  not  merely  monarchy,  but 
despotism,  is  approached.  The  monarchists,  the  wolves  in 
sheep's  clothing,  have  used  many  honest  men  as  their  tools,  who 
would  dislike  very  much  to  see  their  vocation  in  its  true  light. 
My  object  is  not  to  reproach  individuals,  but  to  discriminate 
the  monarchical  from  republican  measures, — the  fruits  show 
whence  they  sprung.  The  fruits  show  the  design  of  the  wire- 
workers.  The  republican  tree  is  one  of  virtue ;  it  bears  no 
fruit  of  aggressive  war,  of  plunder,  injustice,  robbery  of  in 
dividuals  or  of  nations.  It  yields  no  armies,  but  such  as  self- 
defence  requires  ;  no  measures  but  such  as  benefit  the  greatest 
number.  It  neither  divides  the  hard  earned  farm  of  a  hundred 
acres  with  a  lazy  vagabond,  nor  does  it  grant  whole  States, 
twenty-four  thousand  square  miles,  for  a  nominal  consideration 
to  one  individual,  as  was  done  in  Texas.  All  these  are  mon 
archical  fruits.  The  intelligence  that  suggested  such  measures 
intended  to  undermine  liberty,  no  matter  what  name  was 
assumed,  or  what  tool  was  employed. 


172  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 


AGEICULTUKE  AOT>  MANUFACTUKE. 

WHAT  most  promotes  the  interests  of  agriculture  ?  It  is  a 
knowledge  of  correct  methods  of  performing  its  details ;  of 
obtaining  the  greatest  advantages  with  the  least  labor  ;  deep 
plowing,  and  plowing  along  the  sides  of  hills  on  a  water 
level,  thus  preventing  the  washing  away  of  the  soil ;  subsoil 
plowing  and  a  judicious  succession  of  crops ;  the  proper  se 
lection  and  application  of  manures  ;  early  breaking  up  of  the 
ground,  exposing  it  to  the  action  of  frost,  whereby  insects  are 
destroyed  and  the  soil  mellowed  ;  leveling  down  grass  with 
a  heavy  roller  and  plowing  it  under ;  spreading  lime  on  the 
surface,  there  to  be  carbonized  some  years  and  then  plowed 
into  the  ground ;  cutting  timber  in  the  right  season  and 
rendering  structures  permanent  and  convenient ;  the  forma 
tion  of  agricultural  societies ;  the  offering  of  premiums  for 
the  best  crops ;  golden  medals ;  speeches  in  praise  of  agri 
culture  ?  All  these  are  useful,  but  the  whole  of  them  com 
bined  do  not  constitute  that  which  most  promotes  the  interests 
of  agriculture. 

What,  then,  can  this  thing  be  which  most  promotes  that 
very  important  of  human  pursuits !  Let  us  look  over  the 
world  and  find  where  agriculture  has  most  nourished  ;  where 
land  has  reached  its  highest  value ;  where,  consequently,  its 
products  bring  the  best  price  ;  for  there  is  undoubtedly  a  cause 
for  such  an  effect ;  and  whatever  is  the  cause  of  such  agri 
cultural  prosperity,  that  cause  unquestionably  is  the  very  thing 
which  most  promotes  the  interests  of  agriculture.  There  is  a 
spot  where  agriculture  has  attained  its  highest  perfection ; 
where,  consequently,  it  has  received  its  highest  reward  ;  and 
to  that  spot  the  agriculturists  of  other  nations  are  looking 
with  the  hope  of  sharing  a  part  of  that  reward.  I  need  not 
say  that  England  is  that  spot.  But  what  has  enabled  Eng 
land  to  so  encourage  her  own  agriculture  as  to  advance  it  be 
yond  that  of  other  nations  ? 

It  was  the  establishment  of  a  good,  constant  and  convenient 
market  at  home  for  agricultural  products  by  the  establish- 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  173 

ment  of  all  sorts  of  manufactures ;  affording  a  vast  amount 
of  materials  for  commerce ;  for  commerce  presupposes  some 
thing  to  exchange.  Yes,  it  is  a  good,  constant  and  convenient 
market  that  most  promotes  agricultural  interests.  The  loom, 
the  anvil,  the  plow,  are  natural  allies,  and  must  give  to  each 
other  mutual  support  or  all  will  be  sufferers. 

The  townsman,  by  consuming  the  products  of  the  farmer, 
advances  the  interests  of  farmers.  There  is  nothing  ludicrous 
in  the  inhabitants  of  towns  and  cities  forming  agricultural 
societies.  If  they  do  not  sow  and  reap  they  can  increase  the 
numbers  that  eat,  and  thus  perform  a  capital  service  for  the 
farmer,  who  is  less  obliged  by  being  told  how  to  increase  his 
crop  than  in  getting  a  just  reward  for  his  labor.  The  towns 
man  can  materially  aid  the  interests  of  agriculture  by  merely 
consulting  and  advocating  his  own  ;  by  refuting  the  sophistry 
invented  by  the  shrewd,  to  be  retailed  by  the  simple,  for 
retarding  the  growth  of  our  towns  here  at  home  by  support 
ing  towns  abroad,  by  encouraging  foreign  and  discouraging 
our  own  manufactures.  The  townsman  may  increase  the 
number  of  consumers  of  agricultural  products  by  contriving 
various  methods  of  living  in  towns,  establishing  manufactories 
of  all  kinds,  be  it  for  the  manufacture  of  pitchforks,  cottons, 
woollens,  lawyers,  doctors,  shoes,  scholars,  in  short,  any 
thing  but  idlers,  and  even  they  have  mouths  not  altogether 
unserviceable  to  the  farmer,  whatever  effect  they  may  have 
on  the  financial  affairs  of  the  boarding-house.  It  is  a  just 
proportion  between  town  and  country,  between  consumer  and 
producer  that  makes  the  markets  of  the  farmer  as  constant 
as  the  wants  of  nature.  It  is  the  proximity  of  farms  to  towns 
and  manufactories  that  makes  the  market  convenient.  It  is 
the  flourishing  condition  of  the  towns  and  manufactories  that 
makes  the  market  good. 

If  every  article  used  by  our  people  were  manufactured  here 
at  home,  what  new  towns  would  spring  up  !  How  vastly 
would  the  old  ones  increase!  What  a  market  they  would 
afford  for  the  produce  of  farms !  And  if  besides  supplying 
our  wants  they  manufactured  a  surplus  for  exportation  to 
foreign  countries,  as  is  done  in  England,  how  very  good  as 


174:  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

well  as  constant  and  convenient  would  be  that  market.  Such 
a  market  would  afford  the  best  premium  for  the  encourage 
ment  of  agriculture,  the  golden  medal,  the  annual  prize  to  all 
instead  of  one,  nor  this  affected  by  erring  judgment ;  the 
substantial  eulogium  on  the  hard-fisted  calling  would  there 
be  found  offering  a  steady  incentive  to  human  industry.  In 
sure  to  the  farmer  a  constant  good  price  and  he  will  soon  dis 
cover  the  method  of  raising  good  crops,  little  caring  for  the 
fingering  of  the  plow-handle  by  kings,  or  for  any  honors  or 
praises  bestowed  on  the  occupation  by  soft-handed  gentlemen 
by  whatever  accident  distinguished.  The  American  farmer 
disdains  the  assumption  of  superiority  implied  in  a  reference 
to  the  condescension  of  notables  towards  his  calling.  What 
he  wants  is  the  full  reward  for  his  labor.  He  wants  the  con 
sumer  at  his  side.  He  wants  a  good,  constant  and  convenient 
market.  Well,  how  shall  that  market  be  created  ?  How  shall 
our  towns  be  multiplied  and  enlarged  ?  Can  it  be  done  by 
importing  wheat  from  Europe  in  the  shape  of  earthenware, 
broadcloths,  cotton  fabrics  1  For  here  let  me  state  a  very 
curious  and  remarkable  fact,  supposed  to  have  been  often 
overlooked, — the  foreign  manufacturers  do  eat  while  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  these  things,  and  for  sizing  and  other 
purposes  consume  a  great  deal  too,  as  one  may  judge  from  the 
many  thousands  of  barrels  of  flour  consumed  at  the  manu 
facturing  town  of  Lowell  alone.  Can  towns  be  increased 
here  while  we  give '  the  most  of  our  patronage  to  towns 
abroad  ?  and  pursue  the  bad  policy  at  great  expense  to  our 
selves  in  paying  freight,  commissions,  insurance,  on  the  pro 
duce  exported  to  great  distances,  and  the  same  charges  on  the 
articles  received  in  exchange,  neglecting  the  sure  and  con 
stant  market  which  might  be  created  at  home,  for  the  preca 
rious  foreign  market,  dependent  on  the  accidents  of  famine, 
peace,  or  war,  good  or  bad  crops  in  Europe,  and  the  caprice 
of  European  governments. 

L  scarce  know  how  to  illustrate  a  matter  so  plain.  We 
have  only  to  open  our  eyes  and  see  that  where  manufacturers 
have  made  most  progress  there  is  most  commerce,  and  there 
agriculture  receives  its  highest  reward.  Where  is  land  of 


PEO8E   WRITINGS.  175 

most  value  ?  Where  it  brings  the  most  rent ;  and  this  is 
where  it  is  most  convenient  to  good  markets,  to  New  York, 
Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  London.  It  is  where  it  lies  near  the 
most  consumers  of  its  produce.  If  you  could  give  to  "Wheel 
ing  the  size  of  Philadelphia,  you  w^ould  proportionately  in 
crease  the  value  of  land  in  the  vicinity  of  Wheeling,  for  then 
butter,  eggs,  beets,  cabbage,  articles  not  sent  to  foreign  mar 
kets,  and  to  be  sold  near  home  if  sold  at  all,  in  short  every 
product  of  the  farm,  would  bring  a  better  price  and  near  our 
own  doors.  If  by  an  act  of  your  will  you  could  do  it,  would 
you  not  place  such  a  city,  such  a  market  in  the  midst  of  your 
county  ?  Would  you  not,  if  you  could,  bestow  on  your  farm 
a  tenfold  value. 

If  you  cannot  create  such  a  city,  such  a  market  at  once  by 
an  effort  of  your  will,  there  is  something  you  have  the  power 
to  do,  and  that  is  to  try  to  provide  for  agriculture  a  home 
market,  by  steadily  adhering  to  the  policy  of  building  up  our 
own  towns,  protecting  our  own  artizans  and  manufacturers 
against  the  competition  of  foreigners,  and  it  is  desirable  to 
have  the  market  somewhat  nearer  than  Massachusetts  or 
Maryland.  To  attain  this  end  we  must  invite,  not  repel 
capital,  and  reliance  must  be  placed  on  farmers  themselves. 

It  is  clear,  we  should  invite  capital  to  the  State  by  all  just 
means,  not  overlooking  the  sanctity  of  its  rights,  for  it  flies 
away  at  the  touch  of  injustice.  It  will  bear  no  unequal  bur 
dens.  Should  you  exempt  those  from  taxation  worth  but 
thirteen  hundred  dollars,  in  order  to  oppress  those  worth 
more  than  that  sum,  you  will  cut  down  the  tree  for  its  fruit. 
Capital  will  not  remain  with  you,  if  you  permit  demagogues 
to  practice  legislative  thefts,  or  robberies  upon  it,  much  less 
will  it  come  into  the  State  from  abroad.  Confidence  is  very 
important.  Capitalists  have  too  often  suffered  by  changeable 
legislation  not  to  dread  it.  They  will  select  States  for  their 
operations,  where  they  most  expect  stability  of  laws  and  re 
gard  for  justice.  Though  it  might  serve  your  interest  to  be 
stow  favors  on  capital,  this  would  not  be  required  ;  it  would 
ask  nothing  but  justice. 

Eepelling  capital  represses  manufactures,  and  consequently 


1Y6  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

injures  agriculture,  by  depriving  it  of  consumers.  It  also  in 
jures  commerce,  by  depriving  it  of  materials  for  exchange, 
and  lessening  its  profits,  by  confining  it  to  things  of  great 
weight  and  little  value.  Were  wood  exported  in  the  form  of 
ships,  boats,  tables,  chairs,  bowls  ;  were  iron  exported  in  the 
form  of  knives,  scythes  and  other  cutlery :  would  not  the  cargo 
be  of  twenty-fold  more  value  than  if  it  were  of  the  raw  mate 
rials  ?  We  find  the  commerce  of  every  country  has  increased 
with  the  increase  of  its  manufactures. 

Though  our  smaller  capital  and  higher  wages  cannot  easily 
overmatch  the  greater  capital  and  cheaper  wages  of  Europe, 
yet  if  foreign  governments  would  not  interfere  in  the  con 
test  between  our  and  their  manufactures,  by  offering  premi 
ums  or  by  other  means,  ours  would  ere  long  successfully  com 
pete  with  theirs  in  many  articles  besides  cottons.  But  to 
require  infancy  to  vanquish  manhood  ;  one  dollar  to  outweigh 
a  hundred  ;  a  pigmy  to  contend  with  a  giant,  with  the  giant's 
governmental  board  of  trade  always  in  session  watching  the 
progress  of  the  battle,  and  ready  and  determined  to  throw  its 
weight  into  the  giant's  scale,  if  necessary  for  determining  the 
contest  in  his  favor  :  all  this  seems  more  like  condemning  the 
weaker  party  to  destruction  than  giving  him  a  fair  chance  for 
his  existence.  It  resembles  the  exposure  of  the  malefactor  to 
contend  with  the  lion  without  a  shield. 

The  early  settlers  of  Ohio  who  tilled  her  soil  before  turn 
pikes,  railroads,  canals,  and  the  genius  of  Fulton  brought  the 
cities  of  the  seaboard  near ;  before  manufactures  were  at 
tempted  west  of  the  Alleghany,  and  before  capital  could  estab 
lish  and  sustain  a  currency  in  the  West:  have  recounted  their 
hardships  for  want  of  money  ;  a  want  resulting  from  the  lack 
of  a  market.  Having  no  market,  they  willingly  gave  away 
their  produce  to  the  traveller  in  exchange  for  his  company 
and  his  news,  and  thus  were  compelled  by  hard  fortune  to 
win  the  praise  of  hospitality.  It  took  a  great  deal  of  produce 
to  get  a  few  of  the  coarser  productions  of  the  arts.  Money 
was  seldom  seen.  Generals  St.  Clair  and  Wayne's  marches 
against  the  Indians  made  eras  of  prosperity  that  for  a  while 
twenty  dollars  worth  of  property  was  not  sacrificed  for  one 


PEOSE  WRITINGS.  177 

dollar  at  a  constable's  sale ;  but  the  silver  scattered  by  the 
armies  soon  passed  to  the  Atlantic  cities  to  pay  for  goods, 
and  came  back  no  more.  The  inhabitants  could  fight  Indians, 
go  forty  miles  to  mill,  use  wooden  pegs  for  nails ;  but  they 
could  n't  pay  debts  without  money,  and  this  they  could  not 
get  in  sufficient  amount  to  supply  their  very  few  wants.  This 
came  from  having  the  mechanic,  the  loom  and  the  anvil  too 
distant  from  the  plough.  If  the  little  money  got  from  all 
sources  had  been  paid  to  manufacturers  of  woollens,  cottons, 
pitchforks,  scythes,  knives,  spades,  hoes,  ploughs,  within  this 
county  or  its  neighborhood,  it  would  have  been  handed  back 
to  the  farmers  for  the  productions  of  their  farms,  gardens  and 
orchards,  instead  of  going  over  the  hills  and  far  away,  never 
to  return. 

Experience,  .reason,  common  sense,  all  proclaim  that  the 
pursuits  of  a  people  should  be  diversified  to  render  them  inde 
pendent  and  comfortable.  Without  such  diversity  of  pursuits, 
they  must  necessarily  be  poor  as  a  people.  The  perfection  of 
a  nation's  economy  consists  in  its  complete  independence  of 
other  nations  for  all  the  productions  of  agriculture,  which  its 
climate  and  soil  are  capable  of  producing.  Such  a  nation 
may  exchange  its  apples  for  oranges ;  its  wheat  for  coffee ; 
and  in  dealing  with  nations  that  are  behind  the  intelligence 
of  the  age,  it  may  exchange  its  manufactures  for  its  coin,  or 
commodities.  A  large  part  of  the  eight  hundred  millions  on 
the  globe  are  in  a  semi-barbarous  state,  and  mere  producers 
of  raw  materials,  and  well  adapted  to  enrich  the  manufactur 
ing  and  commercial  nations,  whose  intelligence  has  enabled 
them  to  march  in  advance  of  the  rest  of  the  world.  Had  we 
manufacturers  enough  to  consume  all  our  agricultural  pro 
ducts,  they  would  manufacture  a  vast  surplus  of  articles  for 
exportation  ;  thus  affording  a  convenient,  constant  and  good 
market  at  home  for  the  farmer,  a  profitable  employment  for 
the  mechanic,  and  a  great  increase  of  the  value  and  amount 
of  the  materials  for  the  world-encompassing  merchant.  It 
was  the  united  energy  of  these  three  interests,  mutually  sus 
taining  each  other,  that  enabled  Britain,  though  laboring 
under  a  debt  of  eight  hundred  millions,  to  subsidize  a  great 
12 


178  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

part  of  Europe,  and  repel  the  tide  of  conquests  that  threat 
ened,  guided  by  the  genius  of  Napoleon,  to  overwhelm  the 
world. 

The  invitation  of  cotton  to  wheat  to  accompany  it  to  Eu 
rope  to  market,  is  like  the  invitation  of  the  fish  to  the  owl  to 
go  to  swim.  No  cotton  is  grown  in  Europe,  but  abundance 
of  wheat  is  raised  there.  For  the  last  fifteen  years,  the  aver 
age  price  of  wheat  at  Odessa,  in  Russia,  has  been  about  fifty 
cents,  at  Dantzic,  in  Poland,  abo'it  eighty  cents,  and  at  Phila 
delphia  about  one  dollar  and  twenty-five  cents  per  bushel.  It 
may  be  inferred,  therefore,  that  could  a  perfect  free  trade  be 
established,  our  wheat  could  scarcely  enter  into  successful 
competition  with  the  wheat  of  Europe.  We  must  erect  our 
own  market  at  home.  We  must  not  voluntarily  sink  our 
selves  into  the  colonial  condition,  into  the  condition  of  the 
semi-barbarous  nations.  We  must  look  upon  all  who  advise 
us  to  do  so  with  compassion  for  their  infirmities. 

The  Census  of  1840  shows  that  the  whole  amount  of  capi 
tal  invested  in  manufactures  of  all  kinds,  including  hats,  caps, 
tanneries,  grist  and  saw-mills,  etc.,  did  not  exceed  in  the  whole 
country,  the  sum  of  $212,339.  The  proportion  is  scarcely  one 
dollar  invested  in  manufactures,  to  seventy-five  invested  in 
agriculture.  Now  what  sort  of  jig  can  such  a  political  body 
dance,  with  the  agricultural  leg  seventy-five  times  longer  than 
the  manufacturing  one  ?  It  must  needs  play  the  cripple,  and 
pay  or  beg  its  way  to  distant  markets. 

The  spontaneous  productions  of  nature  afford  but  a  scant 
subsistence  for  man  in  the  savage  state.  Necessity  turns  his 
attention  to  the  cultivation  of  the  earth.  And  to  do  this  his 
first  application  is  to  art.  The  artisans  construct  the  plough, 
the  sickle,  and  all  the  varied  implements  for  cultivating  and 
gathering  crops ;  the  carriages,  houses,  clothes,  and  they 
necessarily  constitute  the  right  leg  and  the  right  arm  of  agri 
culture  ;  for  without  their  auxiliary  labor  the  operations  of 
husbandry  would  be  weak,  inefficient  and  extremely  left- 
handed.  Who  contemplates  a  man  scarce  thinks  of  him 
except  as  a  whole,  a  unit,  having  certain  qualities  and  pow 
ers  resulting  from  a  combination  of  all  his  parts.  It  would 


PEOSE   WETTINGS.  1T9 

not  occur,  that  he  might  be  deprived  of  a  leg,  or  arm,  with 
advantage  to  himself,  or  that  these  limbs  have  no  necessary 
relation  to  the  perfection  and  utility  of  the  body.  He  would 
not  extol  one  limb  as  more  worthy  than  the  rest,  seeing  all 
are  useful.  So  in  contemplating  a  political  body,  one  cannot 
reasonably  assign  the  pre-eminence  in  importance  to  agricul- 
culture,  or  to  manufactures ;  both  give  equal  grace,  strength 
and  independence  to  the  State.  Agriculture  leans  on  manu 
factures,  and  manufactures  in  turn  lean  on  agriculture,  as  the 
limbs  on  which  one  walks  support  and  depend  upon  each 
other. 


THOUGHTS    ON   AGKICULTUKE. 

THE  general  rules  which  apply  to  business  lose  none  of  their 
importance  in  their  application  to  agriculture,  particularly 
that  of  having  a  place  for  everything  and  keeping  everything 
in  its  place ;  that  of  doing  what  is  to  be  done  in  the  right 
time ;  that  of  driving  business  instead  of  being  driven  by  busi 
ness  ;  that  of  arranging  to  avoid,  rather  than  invite  accidents ; 
that  of  making  sale,  when  one  can  do  well,  rather  than  wait 
to  do  better ;  and  that  it  is  better  to  secure  a  competence, 
than  to  risk  it  for  great  wealth. 

But  whatever  gives  perfection  to  agriculture  will  be  sure  to 
follow  a  constant  and  convenient  market.  Who  has  a  profit 
able  business  will  soon  adopt  the  best  order  or  method  of  pros 
ecuting  it.  Wrong  steps  will  be  pointed  out  by  experience. 
Whatever  is  done  in  the  arrangement  of  fields,  buildings,  or 
fences  should  be  well  done.  In  the  plan  of  buildings,  a  mis 
take  is  a  source  of  lasting  annoyance,  and  the  best  way  to 
avoid  it  is  not  to  rely  wholly  on  one's  own  invention ;  but 
look  carefully  into  the  plans  of  others,  and  ascertain  what  ex 
perience  has  elicited  respecting  their  advantages  and  defects. 

The  durability  of  fences  is  much  affected  by  the  time  of  fell- 
ing  the  timber.  The  commissioners  of  the  navy  advertise  for 
timber,  to  be  cut  between  the  20th  October  and  the  20th 


180  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

February.  From  inquiries  which  I  have  made,  and  from  my 
own  observation,  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  the  best  time  for 
cutting  timber  is  soon  after  the  first  hard  freeze  in  November, 
and  that  rails  of  small  size  are  least  liable  to  decay.  A  worm 
fence  should  be  laid  on  a  stone  foundation,  sunk  about  9  inches 
in  the  ground ;  perhaps  a  less  depth  might  answer.  It  should 
be,  however,  beyond  the  disturbing  action  of  frost.  The  stone 
will  incline  to  the  side  that  is  first  thawed,  and  permit  the 
fence  to  slip  down  to  the  ground.  Fences  along  steep  declivi 
ties,  placed  on  such  a  foundation,  will  stand  with  permanence. 
Among  the  manures,  lime  is  the  most  enduring.  The  land 
on  which  it  is  once  spread  will  never  cease  to  feel  its  influence. 
As  a  proof  of  this,  I  need  only  refer  to  the  limestone  land  it 
self — it  is  uniformly  found  to  be  the  most  fertile  of  all  the  up 
lands,  and  quite  incapable  of  being  worn  out.  The  leaves 
have  fallen  as  many  thousand  years  on  the  other  lands  as  011 
that  which  abounds  with  limestone.  Yet  the  latter  is  most 
fertilized  ;  hence  it  may  be  inferred  that  limestone  has  a  prin 
ciple  of  fertility  in  itself  that  is  constant.  Years  ago  I  came 
to  the  conclusion  that  lime  affects  vegetation  by  conducting 
carbon  from  the  atmosphere  to  the  roots  of  plants.  I  thence 
inferred  that  the  best  way  of  applying  it  to  land  was  to 
spread  it  on  its  surface  and  there  let  it  remain,  to  be  carbon 
ized  as  long  as  the  land  could  be  spared  from  the  plough,  and 
afterwards  at  every  ploughing  going  to  such  depths  as  would 
be  best  for  turning  up  the  lime  to  the  atmosphere.  At  every 
ploughing  there  would  be  an  increased  burial  of  the  lime,  until 
but  a  small  portion  of  the  whole  quantity  spread  on  the  land 
would  remain  on  its  surface  in  contact  with  the  air.  Conse 
quently,  the  land  would  appear  to  feel  the  eifects  of  the  lime 
less  than  formerly ;  not  because  the  lime  had  diminished  in 
activity ;  but  because  a  large  proportion  of  it  had  lost  the  op 
portunity  of  carbonization,  by  being  deeply  mized  with  the 
soil.  But  though  the  effect  of  a  given  quantity  would  thtfs 
be  lessened  after  being  stored  into  the  soil,  the  land  would 
still  continue  to  feel  the  influence  of  the  lime  it  had  received 
in  proportion  as  its  scattered  particles  come  in  contact  with 
the  atmosphere.  On  enquiry  of  the  late  James  Barker,  who 


PKOSE   WRITINGS.  181 

had  used  lime  some  50  years  in  Chester  county,  Pa.,  he  in 
formed  me  that  formerly  the  practice  there  was  to  plough  and 
harrow  in  lime  with  wheat ;  but  that  for  the  last  16  years  it 
was  found  better  to  spread  on  sward  and  leave  it  there  some 
two  or  three  years  before  ploughing  it  in.  Others  have  receiv 
ed  the  same  counsel  from  experience.  Stabler,  in  a  late  essay 
on  renovating  worn  out  lands,  recommends  a  similar  applica 
tion  of  lime,  and  considers  its  pulverization  by  frost  and  rains 
as  one  of  the  advantages  of  this  mode. 

If  the  limestone  were  ground  as  fine  as  flour,  it  would  im 
mediately  act  as  a  manure,  being  fully  carbonized ;  and  then 
to  harrow  it  in  with  wheat  would  seem  to  be  the  best  way  to 
apply  it.  The  burning  expels  its  carbon,  which  it  must  re- 
acquire  from  the  atmosphere  before  it  aids  vegetation,  other 
wise  than  in  hastening  the  decomposition  of  matter.  The  ap 
plication  of  fire  to  limestone,  to  be  used  for  agricultural  pur 
poses,  is  mainly  to  disintegrate  it  or  reduce  it  to  powder.  If 
this  end  could  be  accomplished  without  fire,  or,  if  burned  lime 
could  be  recarbonized  without  being  thinly  spread  out  to  the 
air,  it  might  be  harrowed  in  on  seeding,  and  its  advantages 
be  more  immediately  realized.  In  whatever  way  lime  is 
spread  on  land,  it  gives  to  it  not  a  temporary  but  a  permanent 
fertility.  It  makes  a  change  of  the  soil  from  bad  to  good,  and 
imparts  a  value  to  the  farm  much  above  the  cost  of  putting 
on  the  lime.  A  farmer  in  New  Jersey  informed  me  that  he 
had  more  than  doubled  the  value  of  his  farm  by  hauling  lime 
16  miles  at  a  cost  of  15  to  20  cents  per  bushel  at  the  kiln.  In 
this  country  there  is  scarce  a  farm  but  could  be  limed  at  an 
expense  not  exceeding  four  cents  per  bushel. 

In  1839  I  was  on  Long  Island.  A  vessel  arrived  there 
laden  with  leached  ashes,  worth  15  cents  per  bushel.  The 
farmers  rushed  to  the  port  with  wagons,  eager  to  purchase  the 
article.  I  noticed  the  captain  of  the  vessel  refusing  to  sell 
over  a  certain  number  of  bushels  to  some  of  his  customers, 
because  he  had  let  them  purchase  more  than  their  proportion 
of  his  former  load,  insisting  that  their  neighbors  must  have  an 
opportunity  to  purchase  as  well  as  they,  I  mention  this  fact 
as  worthy  of  consideration  by  those  who  gather  but  from  ten 


182  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIET. 

to  fifteen  bushels  of  wheat  from  an  acre,  while  they  let  their 
leached  ashes  and  other  manures  go  to  waste,  and  lie  as  ob 
structions  about  their  dwellings  and  stables ;  who  burn  log 
heaps  in  the  midst  of  limestone  quarries,  without  attempting 
to  make  lime ;  who,  when  their  land  promises  to  pay  an  inter 
est  of  fifty  to  one  hundred  per  cent  for  all  that  is  lent  to  it  in 
the  shape  of  manure,  still  remain  indifferent  to  the  advantages 
of  the  offer,  and  persist  to  plough  an  acre  for  12  J  bushels,  in 
stead  of  ploughing  it  for  35  bushels,  as  if  their  intelligence 
was  chiefly  directed  to  the  saving  of  labor  in  the  gathering, 
or  harvesting  of  the  crop,  and  not  to  increasing  its  amount. 

I  noticed  that  a  farm  of  200  acres  had  been  divided  into 
four  parts  by  the  law  of  descent.  One  of  the  heirs  informed 
me  he  raised  more  grain  on  his  one-fourth  of  the  old  farm 
than  his  father  had  raised  on  the  whole  of  it  in  his  time.  He 
said  he  had  borrowed  money  on  mortgage  by  demonstrating 
to  the  lender  that  by  putting  the  money  on  the  land  in  the 
shape  of  manure,  it  would  yield  to  him  some  40  per  cent  more 
than  the  interest  demanded  for  the  loan ;  the  lender  being 
one  of  those  men  who  would  not  make  a  loan  unless  he  was 
satisfied  that  the  borrower  might  be  benefited  by  the  intend 
ed  use  of  the  money.  The  result  had  more  than  justified  his 
hopes.  He  enriched  his  land,  which,  yielding  generous  crops 
in  return,  enabled  him  to  erect  buildings,  pay  off  the  mortgage, 
and  was  then  educating  his  children,  having  all  the  conven 
iences,  and  enough,  for  his  good,  of  the  luxuries  of  life.  His 
land  would  scarce  return  the  seed  sowed  upon  it  when  he 
undertook  its  improvement.  He  had  used  various  manures, 
and  all  with  more  or  less  advantage. 

A  stitch  in  time,  too,  in  this  matter,  is  important.  A  crop 
of  grass  must  be  produced  before  it  can  be  ploughed  in.  This 
method  of  preserving  the  fertility  of  soil  should  be  resorted 
to  before  the  land  gets  too  poor  to  bring  a  crop  worth  the 
trouble  of  ploughing  under ;  otherwise  instead  of  being  the  first 
it  must  necessarily  be  the  second  step  in  improving  the  soil ; 
the  first  being  the  application  of  the  manure  to  produce  grass. 

In  an  uneven  country  too  much  attention  cannot  be  paid  to 
prevent  the  washing  off  of  the  soil  by  rains.  The  original  soil 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  183 

is  of  more  importance  than  one  might  suppose,  until  he  con 
siders  how  many  thousands  of  years  the  hand  of  nature  has 
been  employed  in  its  production.  Strip  a  piece  of  ground  of 
all  its  soil,  especially  ground  destitute  of  limestone,  and  attempt 
to  restore  it  to  fertility  by  manuring  it ;  you  will  be  surprised 
to  find  in  the  course  of  twenty  years  how  much  manure  such 
a  piece  of  ground  will  take,  without  after  all  being  equal  to 
the  adjoining  land  which  retains  its  soil.  It  may  have  brought 
good  crops  from  manure ;  but  as  soon  as  the  strength  of  the 
manure  is  exhausted,  its  comparative  barrenness  appears. 
Deposit  a  four-horse  wagon  load  of  stable  manure  in  a  forest, 
and  ten  thousand  years  afterwards  how  much  of  it  will  exist 
in  the  shape  of  time-elaborated  soil  ?  A  very  few  shovels  full, 
perhaps  not  more  than  one ;  but  what  remains  will  be  pregnant, 
like  our  rich  soils,  with  the  elements  of  vegetation,  capable  of 
aiding  in  the  production  of  a  thousand  crops  without  suffering 
further  material  diminution,  whatever  changes  it  may  undergo 
by  the  operation  of  its  affinities.  "When  our  farmers  lose  a 
shovel  full  of  soil,  they  lose  that  which  was  once  a  large  mass 
of  matter,  the  essence  of  a  large  heap  of  vegetable  and  organic 
remains,  the  spoils  of  death,  in  his  unnumbered  centuries  of 
triumphs. 

The  washing  off  of  this  soil  may  be  prevented  by  deep 
ploughing  along  the  sides  of  slopes  on  a  water  level.  The 
ploughing  for  this  purpose,  as  for  all  other  purposes,  should  be 
done  at  times  when  the  ground  is  not  so  wet  as  to  bake  or  dry 
into  hard  clods,  but  turns  up  mellow  so  as  to  readily  dissolve 
the  whole  of  an  ordinary  shower  of  rain — sub-soil  ploughing, 
which  some  have  extended  from  eighteen  inches  to  thirty  and 
thirty-six  inches  in  depth,  would  effectually  enable  a  hill  side 
to  soak  up  a  considerable  shower.  No  grass  field,  woods,  or 
unploughed  surface  should  lie  above  the  ploughed  part  of  the 
slope,  lest  the  water,  suddenly  gliding  down  to  the  loosened 
earth,  should  sweep  it  away. 

Creases  of  any  size  should  never  be  made  up  and  down  the  slope. 
I  have  experimented  with  a  light  harrow ;  first  harrowing  the 
field,  by  keeping  at  a  water  level,  along  the  side  of  the  hill, 
and  afterwards,  at  one  end  of  the  field,  going  a  few  times  up 


184  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

and  down  the  hill.  Though  the  creases  left  by  the  harrow  were 
small,  they  caused  the  field  at  that  point  to  be  washed  four  fold 
more  than  at  the  point  where  the  last  touch  of  the  harrow  was 
along  the  side  of  the  slope  on  a  water  level.  Shallow  plough 
ing  exposes  the  soil  to  be  washed  off  of  slopes,  as  dust  from 
the  roof  a  house. 

The  cornstalks,  the  straw,  in  short,  all  vegetable  refuse, 
should  be  left  on  the  fields,  in  preference  to  setting  it  on  fire ; 
it  should  not  be  burned,  for  it  aids  in  preventing  the  formation 
of  gullies,  while  decaying,  gives  lightness  to  the  soil,  and  re 
turns  to  the  land  the  carbon  and  hydrogen  received  from  it. 
The  limbs  of  trees,  or  brush  heaps,  should  be  left,  when  not 
too  much  in  the  way,  to  gradually  rot,  and  be  scattered. 

It  has  been  observed  that  the  refuse  of  any  crop  is  the  best 
manure  for  a  like  crop.  It  is  said  that  if  corn  stalks  are  cut 
in  the  fall,  and  buried  in  a  deep  furrow  between  the  rows,  and 
corn  be  planted  on  the  top  of  these  buried  stalks,  the  next 
spring,  a  good  crop  will  result ;  and  that  the  same  field  may 
thus  be  used  for  corn,  any  number  of  years  in  succession,  with 
out  a  perceptible  diminution  of  its  capacity  to  yield  the  same 
crop.  Vine  dressers  have  declared  that  manure  from  the 
leaves  and  twigs  of  the  vine  is  necessary  to  keep  the  grapes 
from  being  deteriorated  in  flavor.  Probably  the  manures  for 
orchards  and  vineyards  might  be  improved  by  the  addition  of 
decayed  limbs  and  vines,  and  the  substitution  or  addition  of 
fresh  soil.  These  stationary  bearers  of  a  long  succession  of 
crops  may,  in  length  of  time,  exhaust  the  ground  on  which 
they  stand  of  some  of  the  needful  properties  for  well  flavored 
fruit,  and  this  exhaustion  may,  perhaps,  be  in  part  the  cause 
of  the  barrenness  of  old  trees ;  as  young  apple  trees  are  known 
not  to  grow  well  on  the  places  recently  occupied  by  old  ones. 

Charcoal  has  been  found  to  be  a  durable  manure,  and,  where 
wood  abounds,  is  not  unworthy  of  attention.  A  Mr.  Yail,  of 
Kew  Jersey,  publishes  that  its  force  is  little  injured  after 
sixty-five  years.  Fruits  add  to  the  value  of  farms,  corning 
annually  without  the  labor  demanded  by  grains.  The  grape, 
the  currant,  the  peach,  produce  by  and  before  the  fourth  year 
after  planting.  Of  the  grape,  the  Catawba  and  Cape  or 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  185 

Schuylkill  appear  to  be  the  most  desirable  ;  and  of  plums  the 
damson  is  most  deserving  of  regard,  as  constant  in  bearing 
and  little  affected  by  the  curculio.  It  is  said  the  most  profit 
able  orchard  is  that  which  bears  the  longest — keeping  apples 
of  only  four  or  five  kinds,  best  known  in  the  markets.  An 
orchard  of  summer  and  fall  apples  for  hogs  is  as  useful  for 
their  support  as  the  ground  it  occupies  could  be  made  to  be, if 
cultivated  in  corn.  About  two-thirds  of  such  apples  should  be 
sweet,  the  rest  of  various  degrees  of  sourness.  I  have  had  hogs 
of  medium  fatness  killed,  after  being  fed  only  on  grass  and 
apples,  and  their  flesh,  it  was  thought,  possessed  an  equal  if  not 
superior  solidity  to  that  of  hogs  which  had  been  fed  on  corn. 
Apple  trees  should  be  planted  about  forty-five  feet  apart, 
intermixed  with  well  rotted  manure,  in  a  hole  large  enough 
to  contain  ten  bushels  of  rich  mould,  be  trimmed  but  lightly, 
and  ploughed  so  as  not  to  cut  the  roots.  If  the  lower  limbs 
are  permitted  to  remain,  they  will  by  the  time  the  tree  is  half 
grown,  incline  so  near  the  ground  as  to  shut  out  the  sun,  and 
kill  the  grass  and  weeds  beneath,  and  thus  cultivate  themselves. 
Hogs  and  poultry,  by  rooting  and  devouring  insects,  both  cul 
tivate  the  trees  and  enable  them  to  yield  fairer  and  better 
fruit.  The  cutting  off  of  the  lower  limbs  of  apple  trees,  to 
enable  teams  to  pass  under  the  tree,  or  for  other  cause,  thwarts 
the  purpose  of  nature  in  shaping  the  tree,  and  prevents  its 
exterior  surface  from  occupying  as  large  a  space  for  taking  the 
sun  and  air  as  the  perfection  of  its  fruit  requires.  I  have 
noticed  that  peach  trees,  when  well  manured  and  ploughed,  are 
more  capable  of  resisting  the  infirmities  to  which  they  are 
subject,  particularly  the  attacks  of  insects  or  worms,  and 
the  cold  of  winter,  owing  to  the  vigorous  constitution  which 
such  cultivation  imparts ;  but  as  the  ends  of  limbs  of  swift 
growth  may  be  killed  by  frost,  it  is  best  to  moderate  their 
speed  to  give  solidity  to  the  wood.  The  attack  of  the  insect 
is  probably  the  effect  of  which  cold  is  the  cause.  The  cold 
may  cause  putrefaction  of  the  juices  or  sap  of  the  tree.  This 
attracts  the  insect  to  deposit  its  eggs  in  the  bark  between 
wind  and  ground ;  the  destruction  of  the  tree  soon  follows ; 
though  I  have  prolonged  the  existence  of  trees  thus  assailed 


186  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

for  some  years,  by  digging  out  the  worms,  applying  lye  nearly 
boiling  hot  to  the  roots,  and  putting  about  four  quarts  of  dry 
wood  ashes  around  the  body  of  the  tree,  so  as  to  lie  in  contact 
with  the  body  from  the  surface  of  the  ground  down  to  the 
lateral  roots.  In  the  spring  of  1828,  I  planted  one  hundred 
peach  trees.  Fifteen  of  them  were  exposed  some  three  or  four 
days  on  the  surface  of  the  ground,  having  been  overlooked  on 
planting  the  others.  In  the  spring  of  1830,  I  examined  all 
the  trees,  and  found  the  worm  in  none  but  these  fifteen,  which 
I  treated  with  hot,  scalding  water  and  dry  wood  ashes,  on 
removing  the  worms ;  these  trees  continued  to  grow,  but  died 
about'  four  or  five  years  sooner  than  the  others,  which  lasted 
seventeen  years.  The  ground  was  well  manured  the  first 
year,  and  was  ploughed  the  five  succeeding  years.  The  next 
ten  years  it  was  in  grass  annually  mown.  The  amount  of  the 
crop  gradually  diminished  as  the  distance  from  the  time  of 
manuring  increased.  Some  thought  this  orchard  lasted  longer 
than  there  was  reason  to  expect  it  to  last ;  as,  just  before  it 
was  planted,  peach  trees  in  this  region  had  been  generally 
swept  away,  and  few  persons  had  much  hope  of  raising  them 
at  all ;  but  I  think  if  the  manuring  had  been  repeated,  and 
the  ploughing  continued  as  often  as  once  in  three  years,  the 
orchard,  or  the  greater  part  of  it,  would  still  have  survived, 
as  have  a  couple  of  trees  so  situated  as  incidentally  to  enjoy 
those  advantages. 

The  provision  of  winter  pasture  for  stock  has  been  found 
useful  as  cheap.  After  mowing  a  field  of  grass  in  July,  and 
putting  the  hay  in  stack  around  a  tree,  to  prevent  its  falling 
on  the  cattle,  I  have  let  the  second  crop  grow  up  for  winter 
pasture.  On  turning  the  stock  upon  it  with  liberty  to  eat  at 
the  stack  or  the  pasture,  they  were  observed  generally  to  pre 
fer  the  latter  when  the  snow  did  not  prevent  their  access  to 
it,  and  the  pertinacity  with  which  they  pawed  away  the  snow, 
at  times,  in  order  to  reach  it,  showed  they  liked  it  better  than 
the  hay  of  the  stack.  But  I  have  understood  that  stock  will 
not  fatten  so  well  on  such  pasture  as  on  hay ;  for,  though 
palatable,  it  is  less  nutritious  than  ripe,  well  cured  grass.  The 
green  blades  taken  into  the  mouth  with  the  older  grass  prob- 


PKOSE    WETTINGS. 

ably  affords  an  agreeable  sauce,  which  makes  the  food  more 
palatable  than  the  best  of  hay.  Many  years  ago  this  method 
of  wintering  stock  was  obtruded  upon  my  notice  by  the  refusal 
of  a  horse  to  be  caught  on  the  evening  of  a  snowy  day  in  the 
latter  part  of  November.  After  trying  in  vain  to  corner  him, 
he  was  left,  as  I  supposed,  to  suffer  the  consequence  of  his 
perverseness,  to  lie  out  in  the  snow.  There  was  a  hay  stack 
in  his  lot,  and  the  grass  grown  after  July  was  mostly  stand 
ing.  Some  days  afterwards,  on  visiting  the  lot,  I  found  the 
horse,  although  the  snow  was  fourteen  inches  deep,  had  not 
been  at  the  stack,  having  preferred  to  paw  for  grass.  He 
was  kept  in  the  lot  all  the  winter,  and  he  took  from  the  stack 
not  an  hundred  pounds  of  hay  in  the  whole  time.  The  two 
succeeding  winters  he  was  kept  in  the  same  way.  He  was 
all  the  stock  I  possessed.  I  then  resided  in  town.  In  the 
beginning  of  March,  at  the  close  of  his  last  winter,  his  sleek 
ness  and  fine  appearance  were  such,  that  I  felt  inclined  to  ex 
hibit  him  to  my  neighbors  as  an  illustration  of  an  improved 
method  of  wintering  animals  of  his  species.  He  was  brought 
into  the  stable.  As  he  had  been  fed  no  grain  since  the  prev 
ious  November,  I  prescribed  for  him  hay,  with  one  quart  of 
shelled  corn  for  the  evening  feed.  The  next  morning,  awhile 
after  he  had  been  fed,  I  entered  the  stable,  and  found  the 
horse  unwell,  with  his  morning  feed,  seven  quarts  of  shelled 
corn,  lying  in  his  trough.  He  would  no  longer  eat ;  in  short, 
he  died  the  succeeding  day.  About  seven  quarts  of  corn  in 
stead  of  one  had  been  given  the  preceding  evening. 

The  inference  is,  from  the  facts  in  the  case,  that  the  transi 
tion  from  winter  pasture  to  grain  should  be  gradual ;  that 
one  must  superintend  his  own  business  himself,  if  he  would 
be  certain  to  have  it  done  right ;  and  that  one  may  pity  a 
horse  for  exposure  to  the  weather  when  there  is  little  cause 
for  it ;  for  in  an  open  field  where  he  can  take  exercise  he  can 
keep  much  warmer  than  in  most  stables.  I  have,  since  the 
experiment  with  the  horse,  adopted  this  method  of  wintering 
cattle  and  sheep,  and  found  it  particularly  advantageous  as  to 
sheep,  but  sheds  should  be  provided  to  shield  them  from  cold 
rains,  and  afford  to  them  a  dry  bed. 


188  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEN". 

^Pasture  and  meadow  land  should  not  be  trod  by  stock  from 
about  the  middle  of  March  to  the  middle  of  May.  The  frost 
leaves  the  land  mellow,  and  it  should  be  kept  so  until  the 
grass  gets  up.  Animals  put  on  before  the  grass  is  up  thick 
hunt  for  the  tender  shoots  over  a  large  space  in  a  short  time, 
and,  without  benefiting  themselves,  materially  do  a  serious 
injury  to  the  ground,  making  it  hard,  and  thus  diminishing 
its  capacity  to  produce  for  the  season  some  50  per  cent. 

A  plum-orchard  should  be  planted  on  high  ground,  in  a 
place  expected  to  be  daily  frequented  by  hogs  and  poultry,  or 
in  a  paved  or  hard  trodden  yard,  that  the  insect  called  curcu- 
lio  may  be  crushed,  devoured,  or  otherwise  prevented  from 
placing  its  egg  in  the  plum,  and  cause  it  to  fall  from  the  tree 
when  about  two-thirds  grown.  I  have  never  got  plums  from 
trees  standing  in  untrodden,  mellow  ground,  except  the  dam 
son,  without  taking  measures  to  repel  this  insect.  I  have 
saved  a  crop  of  plums  by  tying  a  hen  with  her  chickens  to 
the  body  of  the  tree,  when  the  plum  was  about  the  size  of  a 
pea,  and  keeping  her  there  some  four  weeks.  Her  splutter 
ing  and  scratching  for  food  in  the  loosened  soil  averted  the 
curculio. 

The  sun  blight  of  the  pear-tree  may  be  stopped  by  cutting 
the  blighted  limbs  nine  inches  below  the  dead  part  and  burn 
ing  them,  or  by  removing  the  ground  around  the  body  of  the 
tree  some  three  or  four  feet,  until  the  upper  surface  of  the  lat 
eral  roots  are  uncovered,  and  applying  hot,  boiling  lye.  One 
and  a-half  bushels  of  wood  ashes  boiled  a  while  in  eighteen 
gallons  of  water  were  (both  the  lye  and  ashes)  thrown  on  the 
roots  of  a  pear  tree  about  nineteen  inches  in  diameter.  The 
tree  revived,  and  has  borne  fruit  for  many  years.  Three- 
fourths  of  its  top  was  dead  when  the  remedy  was  used. 

The  disease  called  the  gaps  destroys  many  chickens,  if  they 
run  at  large  with  the  hen  about  long  inhabited  dwellings, 
probably  on  account  of  being  over-fed  with  worms  ;  for  the 
disease  seldom  prevails  in  recently  improved  places.  They 
escape  it,  near  old  buildings,  when  the  turkey  acts  as  their 
mother,  as  she  does  not  scratch  for  worms.  Stationing  the 
hen  in  a  coop  with  her  brood  some  twenty  rods  from  wood 


PKOSE   WHITINGS.  189 

pile&>  old  buildings  and  rubbish,  and  feeding  them  there,  will 
avoid  the  disease.  The  dish  in  which  they  drink  or  feed 
should  be  daily  washed. 

In  thus  stating  the  results  of  some  of  my  own  observations 
and  experience,  I  am  conscious  that  what  is  valuable  therein 
is  already  known,  and  what  is  new  is  probably  of  little  im 
portance  ;  still  the  valuable  may  be  welcomed  as  an  old  ac 
quaintance,  and  the  new  may  aiford  material  for  considera 
tion  and  experiment. 


ABOLITION    BEFOKE   AND    AFTEE    FEBRUAKY, 

1833. 

SEVERAL  Abolition  Societies  were  formed  about  the  time 
the  Federal  Constitution  was  going  into  operation,  when  its 
true  construction  was  not  generally  understood.  Petitions  to 
abolish  Slavery  were  presented  to  Congress.  They  were  re 
ceived  and  referred  to  a  Committee,  who  reported  that  the 
General  Government  had  no  power  to  abolish  Slavery  in  the 
States.  This  report  was  acquiesced  in,  and  the  Abolition 
Societies  thenceforth  sought  by  moral  suasion  to  move  the 
State  Governments  to  abolish  it.  It  was  abolished  in  New 
York  in  1828,  and  in  other  Northern  States  at  other  periods. 
Dr.  Franklin,  Dr.  Benjamin  Kush,  the  Society  of  Friends, 
Chief  Justice  Jay  and  many  other  good  men  were  engaged 
in  this  work  of  gradual  emancipation.  Many  eminent  men 
of  the  South  condemned  Slavery,  though  they  tolerated  it. 
Judge  Tucker,  of  Yirginia,  in  1798,  published  a  plan  for  its 
gradual  abolition.  Thomas  Jeiferson  could  print  his  acknowl 
edgment  of  its  iniquity,  and  say  that  he  "  trembled  for  his 
country  when  he  reflected  that  God  was  just,  and  that  His 
justice  would  not  sleep  forever,"  without  being  blamed  for 
uttering  a  truth.  In  October,  1819,  there  was  a  convention 
of  Abolitionists  held  in  Philadelphia,  composed  of  delegates 
from  Abolition  Societies  in  New  York,  Delaware,  Pennsyl- 


190  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

vania,  Ohio,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee.  It  appears  from  its 
minutes  to  have  been  the  sixteenth  convention.  It  was  occu 
pied  with  plans  for  excluding  Slavery  from  the  Territories, 
preventing  the  Slave  Trade,  kidnapping  of  free  negroes,  the 
education  of  the  blacks,  their  colonization  and  gradual  eman 
cipation. 

In  1817  there  were  eight  Societies  in  Belmont  and  Jef 
ferson  counties,  Ohio,  whose  delegates  met  semi-annually, 
at  Mount  Pleasant,  in  Jefferson  county,  to  promote  gradual 
emancipation.  The  convention  of  these  Societies  published  a 
large  edition  of  an  oration  delivered  before  it  in  May,  1818, 
for  gratuitous  distribution  in  the  South  and  East.  This  speech 
appeals  to  the  self-interest,  in  time  and  eternity,  and  to  the 
sense  of  justice  in  man  ;  insists  that  all  races  are  brutalized 
by  Slavery,  white  as  well  as  black  ;  and  on  the  authority  of 
Diodorus  Siculus,  Lucian  and  Strabo  claims  that  the  dark- 
skinned  race  were  the  first  learned  people,  and  the  inventors 
of  letters,  and  instead  of  praying  to  live  unabused,  might 
demand  the  gratitude  of  mankind.  It  objects  to  colonization 
abroad  or  at  home,  and  recommends  gradual  emancipation, 
preceded  by  education  sufficient  to  form  good  citizens. 

Benjamin  Lundy,  then  a  saddler  in  St.  Clairsville,  soon 
afterwards  began  to  publish  an  Abolition  paper,  called  The 
Genius  of  Universal  Emancipation  /  the  first  of  the  kind. 
After  publishing  it  in  Ohio  for  some  time,  he  moved  with  it 
to  Greenville,  Tennessee,  where  he  published  it  several  years. 
A  copy  of  it,  No.  8,  vol.  ii.,  is  before  me,  dated  Second  Month, 
1823,  Greenville,  Tennessee.  It  has  a  frontispiece  of  a  driver 
and  gang  of  slaves,  with  the  American  flag  floating  above. 
Below  he  asks  the  American  people  to  note  "  the  detestable 
traffic  in  human  flesh,"  "  and  LOOK  AT  IT  again  and  again," 
and  then  say  whether  they  "  will  permit  so  disgraceful,  in 
human  and  so  wicked  a  practice  to  continue."  He  claims 
that  the  slaveholders  do  not  generally  justify  slaveholding, 
but  inquire  what  shall  be  done  ?  arid  ask  to  be  shown  a  plan 
of  practical  emancipation.  Mr.  Lundy  removed  with  his 
paper  from  Tennessee  to  Baltimore.  There  he  took  William 
Lloyd  Garrison  as  partner.  Lundy  died,  and  Garrison  removed 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  191 

to  Boston.  Lundy  differed  from  his  Abolition  friends  in  Ohio 
by  advocating  colonization.  He  was  not  molested  on  account 
of  his  Abolitionism  in  either  of  the  Slave  States,  for  Mr. 
Calhoun  had  not  as  yet  dropped  the  Tariff  and  taken  up  the 
Slavery  question,  as  best  calculated  to  unite  all  the  Slave 
States.  It  was  said  he  had  despaired  of  reaching  the  Presi 
dency  of  the  Union,  and  wished  to  be  the  head  of  a  Southern 
Confederacy.  He  found  the  Tariff  question  would  not  cap 
tivate  the  sugar  growers,  for  they  needed  a  tariff,  but  all  were 
alike  interested  in  Slavery,  and  the  agitation  of  the  negro 
question  was  deliberately  inaugurated. 

Of  course  the  agitators  would  try  to  alarm  the  people  of 
the  South  by  imputing  sanguinary  designs  to  the  peaceable 
Abolitionists,  who  at  that  day  were  mostly  Quakers.  The 
Abolitionists  indignantly  denied  the  imputation,  and  confi 
dently  referred  to  their  acts  and  writings  to  show  that  they 
had  only  addressed  the  consciences  of  the  masters.  Still  the 
Southern  politicians  persisted  in  charging  that  the  kind- 
hearted  and  peaceable  philanthropists  had  most  wicked  pur 
poses.  There  was  not  enough  of  Abolitionism  in  the  North 
to  answer  the  ends  of  the  Southern  Confederacy  politicians. 
It  was  supposed  that  one  of  their  measures  to  increase  it  was 
to  raise  a  mob  in  New  York  against  Lewis  Tappan.  He  and 
his  brother  Arthur  had  been  giving  some  thirty  thousand  dol 
lars  a  year  for  religious  and  charitable  objects,  and  might,  if 
"  rubbed  against  the  grain,"  apply  all  their  means  to  Aboli 
tion.  This  mob  was  in  1834 ;  the  Tariff  Compromise  in 
February,  1833.  The  year  1835  exhibited,  consequently,  an 
increased  Abolition  excitement,  and,  instead  of  gradual,  the 
masters  were  exhorted  to  immediate  Abolition.  Though 
Benjamin  Lundy  could  publish  his  paper,  with  its  satirical 
frontispiece,  for  years  in  Tennessee  and  Maryland  unmolested, 
yet  Tappan  could  not  express  liberal  sentiments  in  a  Free 
State  without  being  mobbed  ;  and  this  in  less  than  two  years 
after  Calhoun  had  dropped  the  Tariff  and  taken  up  the 
Negro.  The  Southern  gentlemen  then  in  the  city  of  New 
York  were  charged  with  getting  up  the  mob,  I  know  not  how 
justly.  I  see  in  the  newspapers  of  that  time  that  the  Aboli- 


192  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIK. 

tionists  gave  notice  of  holding  a  meeting  at  Clinton  Hall, 
on  2d  of  October,  1833,  and  that  a  placard  was  put  up 
through  the  city,  signed  "  MANY  SOUTHERNERS,"  requesting 
all  persons  from  the  South,  and  all  persons  interested  in 
the  subject  of  the  meeting,  to  attend  at  the  same  hour 
and  place  and  express  the  true  feeling  of  the  State  on 
this  subject.  A  disorderly  mass  did  attend,  compelling  the 
Abolitionists  to  withdraw  to  another  place  called  Chatham 
Street  Chapel.  Their  opponents  organized  and  passed  reso 
lutions  at  Clinton  Hall  against  interfering  with  Slavery. 
"While  at  the  chapel  the  Abolitionists  adopted  a  constitution 
for  a  Society  for  immediate  emancipation,  therein  declaring 
its  object  to  be  to  elevate  the  character  and  condition  of  the 
people  of  color,  "  but  will  never  countenance  the  oppressed 
in  vindicating  their  rights  by  resorting  to  physical  force !" 
"  Lawful,  moral  and  religious  means,  by  appeals  to  the  con 
sciences,  hearts  and  interests  of  the  people,"  is  what  they  pro 
pose  to  resort  to.  Might  they  not  do  this  without  blame  ? 
Might  the  slaveholders  not  be  argued  with  to  show  them 
their  true  interest,  their  obligations  to  God  and  man,  involv 
ing  their  happiness  or  misery  in  time  and  eternity,  without 
doing  them  a  wrong  ?  Would  it  injure  them  to  enlighten 
them  ?  Whether  they  got  up  the  mob  or  not,  it  played  into 
their  hands,  or  gave  them  what  it  was  supposed  they  wanted, 
an  increased  Abolition  excitement  in  the  North,  and  some 
thing  of  a  bugbear  for  them  to  point  at  while  trying  to 
frighten  the  South.  At  the  same  time  the  masses  of  the 
South  were  filled  with  intense  prejudices  against  the  North. 
A  man  from  Belmont  county,  who  resided  some  fifteen  years 
ago  at  Augusta,  Georgia,  informed  me,  about  that  time,  that 
the  "  common  people,"  as  he  called  them,  were  very  bitter 
against  the  whole  North,  often  saying  they  would  rather  trade 
with  Europe  than  any  of  the  Free  States.  Others  have  'con 
firmed  his  statement.  The  Southern  people  have  thus  been 
prepared  for  conflict  with  the  North  long  before  President 
Lincoln  was  thought  of  for  the  Presidency. 

In  pursuit  of  their  object — the  alarming  and  uniting  the 
South — the  politicians  have  made  the  most  of  all  events  in  any 


PEOSE    WETTINGS.  193 

degree  chargeable  to  Abolition.  .  Hence,  Governor  Wise,  after 
the  United  States  Marines  had  subdued  John  Brown  and  his 
followers,  runs  Old  Virginia  to  one  hundred  and  eighty  thou 
sand  dollars  of  expense  in  guarding  against  pretended  dangers, 
gasconading  and  making  "  a  fuss,"  as  if  bent  on  furnishing 
materials  for  writers  of  comedy  and  farce.  Not  so.  He  was 
neither  coward  nor  fool  in  that  thing.  He  was  alarming  and 
therefore  uniting  the  South,  and  making  it  a  more  compliant 
tool  in  the  hands  of  political  jugglers. 

The  use  of  an  united  South  to  the  political  leaders  for  gov 
erning  the  Union  is  so  plain,  that  some  have  thought  their 
negro  agitation  had  no  object  beyond  presenting  thereby  a 
power  with  which  to  bargain  with  the  leaders  of  one  of  the 
Northern  parties ;  by  uniting  with  which  they  got  control  of 
the  Government.  This  seems  to  have  been  the  plan  pursued, 
whereby  for  fifty  or  more  years  the  South,  with  scarce  one- 
third  of  the  white  population,  have  taken  about  three-fourths 
of  the  federal  offices  and  dictated  the  laws ;  the  other  fourth 
of  the  offices  being  conferred  on  the  obedient.  But  as  soon  as 
the  presidential  patronage  is  lost,  as  soon  as  the  South  sees  it 
must  cease  to  rule  the  whole  Union,  it  raises  the  standard  of 
rebellion.  The  whole  North  had  acquiesced  in  the  report  of 
the  Congressional  Committee,  and  were  only  seeking  by  moral 
suasion  to  remove  gradually  the  fetters  of  Slavery,  when  South 
ern  politicians  by  their  arts  and  emissaries  increased  and  inten 
sified  Abolitionism  in  the  North  for  the  purpose  of  uniting 
the  South. 

Duff  Green,  Calhoun's  editor,  in  1833  proposed  to  publish 
a  newspaper  for  Southern  circulation.  He  says  in  his  Pros 
pectus,  in  substance,  that  "  the  South  had  heretofore  erred  in 
admitting  Slavery  to  be  a  moral  and  political  evil — and  pro 
poses  by  his  paper  to  show  that  Slavery  is  right  in  itself. 
That  what  is  to  be  feared  is  not  what  the  little  knot  of  Aboli 
tionists  in  the  North  may  do,  for  indeed  they  do  not  address 
the  slaves  at  all,  but  this  is  to  be  feared  that  the  consciences  of 
the  masters  may  become  too  tender  to  hold  slaves.  And  his 
paper  will  sear  the  consciences  of  the  slaveholders."  This 
Prospectus  was  published  several  weeks  in  the  United  States 
13 


194:  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Telegraph.  Considering  Duff  Green's  position  in  reference  to 
Calhoun,  this  prospectus  should  go  far  in  exculpating  the 
Abolitionists  from  any  improper  designs  on  the  South  at  that 
time,  and  confirms  the  opinion  of  Clay  and  Madison. 

Mr.  Clay,  in  his  speech  in  the  Senate,  of  February,  T,  1839, 
alludes  to  this  fostering  of  Abolition  excitement  by  the  South 
in  these  words :  "  I  say  it  with  profound  regret,  but  with  no 
intention  to  occasion  irritation  here  or  elsewhere  that  there 
are  persons  in  'both  parts  of  the  Union  who  have  sought  to 
mingle  Abolition  with  politics,  and  to  array  one  portion  of 
the  Union  against  the  other" 

Mr.  Benton,  in  his  speech  against  the  repeal  of  the  Missouri 
Compromise  line,  of  1820,  delivered  in  1854,  says,  "  and  now 
what  is  the  excuse  for  this  breaking  up  of  ancient  compro 
mises,  for  arraying  one-half  of  the  Union  against  the  other  ? 
What  is  the  excuse  for  all  this  turmoil  and  mischief?  We  are 
told  it  is  to  keep  the  question  of  Slavery  out  of  Congress. 
Great  God !  It  is  out  of  Congress,  completely,  entirely,  and 
forever  out  of  Congress,  unless  Congress  drag  it  in  by  break 
ing  down  the  sacred  laws  which  settled  it."  "  What  advan 
tage  do  the  Slave  States  expect  from  this  bill  ?  Certainly  an 
extension  of  Slave  power.  This  may  prove  a  fallacious  expec 
tation.  The  question  of  Slavery  in  these  Territories  will  be 
a  question  of  numbers — of  majority  for  or  against  Slavery — 
and  what  chance  would  the  slaveholders  have  in  such  a  con 
test  ?  No  chance  at  all.  The  slave  emigrants  will  be  out 
numbered  and  compelled  to  play  at  a  most  unequal  game,  not 
only  in  point  of  numbers,  but  also  in  point  of  stakes.  The 
slaveholder  stakes  his  property,  and  has  to  run  it  off  or  lose  it 
if  out- voted  at  the  polls." 

Thus  Clay  and  Benton  recognize  the  real  agitators  of  Slav 
ery.  Benton's  speech  shows  that  he  was  ignorant  of  two 
things  that  the  introducers  of  the  bill  were  probably  not  igno 
rant  of.  First,  the  intended  march  of  Major  Buford  with 
some  three  hundred  Georgians  and  South  Carolinians,  and  the 
march  of  Senator  Atchinson's  Border  Euffians  to  drive  off,  or 
wipe  out,  as  they  said,  the  Free  State  settlers  in  Kansas,  and 
thus  prevent  the  out-voting.  And,  second,  the  Dred  Scott 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  195 

Decision,  to  prevent  the  necessity  of  the  slaveholder  running 
off  his  slaves  or  losing  them.  Could  Benton  have  conceived 
of  these  changes  and  violations  of  law,  he  might  not  have 
added,  in  the  same  speech,  "  I  see  nothing  which  slaveholders 
are  to  gain  under  this  bill — nothing  but  an  unequal  and  vexa 
tious  contest  in  which  they  are  to  be  losers."  For  Benton 
thought  of  lawful  means  only. 

His  last  word  to  the  American  people  denounces  the  con 
duct  of  the  Administration  for  u  suppressing  and  concealing 
the  evidences  of  a  foreign  negotiation,  that  is  surrounded  by 
circumstances  which  connect  it  with  a  scheme  to  bring  on  a 
separation  of  the  Slave  from  the  Free  States.  "I  speak," 
says  he,  "  of  the  Gadsden  negotiation,  and  of  fifty  millions  he 
was  authorized  to  give  for  a  broadside  of  Mexico,  with  a  port 
on  the  Gulf  of  California,  and  a  railway  to  it  to  suit  the  Uni 
ted  States  South,  after  the  separation,  to  which  point  all  the 
schemes  of  a  Southern  Pacific  Railroad  tend,  while  the  public 
are  made  to  believe  they  are  hunting  the  best  way  to  Califor 
nia,  where  they  mean  it  shall  never  go,  because  California  re 
jects  Slavery."  Benton  further  says  that,  "  In  the  year  1830 
some  Southern  politicians,  having  some  private  griefs  of  their 
own  to  redress,  and  some  ambitious  objects  of  their  own  to 
accomplish,  conceived  that  a  separation  of  the  States,  and  an 
erection  of  a  new  republic  South  was  the  way  to  accomplish 
their  purposes,  and  at  that  object  they  went  to  work,  pretext 
ing  their  operation  with  '  the  oppressions  of  an  unconstitu 
tional  Protective  Tariff.' 

"  With  this  view,  and  upon  this  pretext,  the  first  Southern 
(South  Carolina)  Convention  was  held  November,  1832,  which 
passed  the  Ordinance  of  Nullification  and  Secession,  declar 
ing  the  revenue  laws  null  and  void,  fixing  the  first  day  of 
February  then  next  ensuing  for  the  secession,  and  levying  an 
army  to  maintain  her  attitude.  The  Jackson  Proclamation 
of  December,  1832,  denouncing  the  penalties  of  high  treason 
on  all  who  should  commit  the  overt  act  under  that  Ordinance ; 
and  the  full  belief  that  he  would  do  what  he  said,  balked  that 
project  and  gave  birth  to  the  Tariff  Compromise  of  1833,  by 
which  Protective  Tariff,  as  a  pretext  for  secession,  was  laid 


196  THOMAS    HEDGES    G-ENIN. 

aside,  to  be  substituted  by  the  Slavery  agitation.  The  substi 
tution  was  instant  and  notorious.  On  returning  home  from 
Congress,  Mr.  Calhoun  told  his  friends  that  the  South  could 
never  be  united  against  the  North  on  the  Tariff  Question — 
that  the  sugar  interests  of  Louisiana  would  keep  her  out,  and 
that  the  basis  of  the  Southern  Union  must  be  shifted  to  the 
Slave  Question,  and  shifted  accordingly  it  immediately  was. 
Incontinently  all  the  nullification  newspapers  opened  for  a 
secession  for  that  new  cause,  filling  the  country  with  alarm 
for  the  safety  of  slave  property.  In  less  than  three  months 
after  the  Protective  Tariff  pretext  for  secession,  the  new  pre 
text  had  been  installed  in  its  place,  and  so  fully  developed  as 
to  be  seen  by  all  observers.  Mr  Clay  saw  it,  and  on  the  27th 
of  May,  1833,  in  a  letter  Mr.  Madison,  expressed  his  appre 
hensions  of  this  new  danger,  and  declared  his  disbelief  of  any 
foundation  for  the  alarm  which  was  attempted.  Mr.  Madison 
immediately  replied,  reciprocating  both  his  apprehension  and 
disbelief."  ' 

"  It  is  painful,"  says  Mr.  Madison^  "  to  see  the  unceasing 
efforts  to  alarm  the  South  by  imputations  against  the  North 
of  unconstitutional  designs  on  the  subject  of  the  slaves.  You 
are  right.  I  have  no  doubt  that  no  such  intermeddling  dis 
position  exists  in  the  body  of  our  Northern  brethren." 

These  facts,  this  design  of  Disunion,  seen  by  Clay  and 
Madison  in  May,  1883 — charged  on  the  South  by  Clay  in 
February,  1839 — and  stated  by  Benton  to  have  originated  in 
disappointed  ambition  in  1830,  sufficiently  explain  why  the 
lawful  election  of  a  President  that  will  not  be  a  tool  of  the 
Slave  Power,  is  the  signal  for  raising  the  standard  of  rebel 
lion.  If  the  Slave  Power  cannot  rule,  it  will  secede ;  and, 
raising  armies  on  pretence  of  secession,  it  steals  a  march  in 
accumulating  military  force,  with  which,  if  circumstances  in 
the  North  were  favorable,  it  might  possibly  hope  to  establish 
a  monarchy  over  the  whole  country.  The  blindness  with 
which  that  Slave  Power  has  been  followed,  may  have  given 
it  hopes  we  scarce  dream  of.  It  has  dared  to  trample  on  the 
morality  of  mankind,  under  which  Thomas  Jefferson  con 
demned  Slavery,  and  on  the  Christian  religion,  by  whose 


PKOSE   WRITINGS.  197 

light  John  Wesley  saw  that  Slavery  was  the  "  slim  of  all  vil 
lainy."  It  has  got  its  Church  South,  with  this  gigantic  in 
iquity  tied  to  its  neck,  giving  the  lie  to  all  its  professions, 
making  of  it  a  tool  to  save  Slavery,  instead  of  sinners.  While 
it  used  the  Tariff  pretext  it  boldly  denied  the  truths  in  politi 
cal  economy,  as  it  has  those  contained  in  the  Declaration  of 
Independence  ;  so  tangling  up  the  ideas  of  their  partisans,  on 
religion,  morals,  political  economy  and  human  rights,  as  to 
excite  the  astonishment  of  those  who  conversed  with  them. 

Had  Lincoln  not  been  elected,  the  day  of  secession  would 
only  have  been  postponed,  not  abandoned.  His  election 
merely  shows  the  Slave  Power  that  it  has  ceased  to  have  a 
tool  in  the  President,  or  has  ceased  to  rule  the  whole  Union, 
with  whose  money  it  had  hoped  to  purchase  Cuba,  and  other 
slave  territories.  For  the  former  two  hundred  millions  were 
named.  The  five  millions  paid  to  Spain  for  Florida ;  the 
some  forty-five  millions  to  prevent  its  sheltering  runaway 
slaves  ;  the  sixty  or  seventy  millions  for  warring  for  Texas  ; 
the  fifteen  millions  paid  to  France  for  Louisiana ;  the  fifty 
millions  hovering  around  the  Gadsden  treaty ;  the  twenty  mil 
lions  to  Mexico  by  Trist's  treaty ;  show  that  the  Northern 
purse,  which  yields  two-thirds  of  the  revenue,  is  a  convenient 
affair,  and  its  transfer  to  Republican  hands  not  to  be  toler 
ated  by  persons  born  to  rule  ;  whose  selfishness  has  sacrificed 
the  Democratic  Party  in  ungrateful  return  for  all  its  losses  on 
their  account. 

From  the  foregoing  facts  we  see  that  Abolitionism  was  not 
even  complained  of,  much  less  assailed  with  violence,  until 
Calhoun  dropped  the  Tariff  and  took  up  the  Slavery  Ques 
tion,  with  which  to  unite  the  South,  that  its  political  force 
might  be  wielded,  we  may  presume,  for  the  benefit  of  politi 
cal  leaders ;  but  certainly  not  for  the  benefit  of  the  mass  of 
the  Southern  people. 

The  respectable  citizens  of  the  North  and  the  South  held 
the  same  opinions  as  to  the  injustice  and  immorality  of  Slav 
ery.  Mr.  Jefferson  in  his  letter  to  Dr.  Price  says  there  are 
some  exceptions  just  as  there  is  found  at  times  a  thief  or  a 
murderer  in  every  community ;  but  this  was  before  1833. 


198  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENEST. 

Up  to  this  period  we  hear  no  complaints  againt  the  Aboli 
tionists  by  the  South.  But  as  soon  as  Calhoun  shifts  from 
the  Tariff  to  the  Slavery  Question,  as  soon  as  it  becomes  the 
interest  of  ambitious  political  leaders  to  array  one  portion  of 
the  Union  against  the  other,  then  it  is  proposed  to  sear  the 
consciences  of  slaveholders,  and  accusations  of  all  sorts  are 
made  against  Abolitionists  to  spread  alarm  for  the  safety  of 
slave  property.  It  is  plain,  that  these  leaders  would  be  sorely 
tempted  to  procure  petitions  to  abolish  Slavery  in  the  District 
of  Columbia,  and  to  make  the  loudest  of  noises  at  the  entrance 
into  Congress  of  a  petition  of  that  sort.  To  make  the  new 
question  available  many  strings  would  likely  be  pulled  be 
sides  those  of  mere  falsehood  in  charging  Abolitionists  with 
designs  and  acts  which  they  refuted  continually  by  their  writ 
ings  and  their  conduct. 

Those  whose  penetration  does  not  go  beyond  the  surface  of 
affairs  may  wonder  wrhy  it  should  be  wrong  to  preach  to  slave 
holders  on  justice,  righteousness  and  judgment  to  come  ;  but 
Duff  Green's  prospectus  shows  that  such  preaching  might 
make  their  consciences  too  tender  to  persist  in  the  sin,  and 
this  might  diminish  the  political  force  intended  to  be  based 
on  Slavery  or  on  the  Union  of  numbers  interested  in  it.  When 
it  is  found  that  Slavery  is  so  worthy  and  sacred  an  institution 
that  it  sits  above  the  rights  of  man,  above  morality,  above 
religion,  and  when  it  meets  these  they  must  give  it  the  road, 
as  being  superior  to  each  and  all  of  them,  it  will  then  be  seen 
how  wrong  it  is  to  attempt  to  preach  to  slaveholders.  As  a 
nation  we  must  be  punished  for  tolerating  Slavery  if  the 
Scriptures  are  true,  and  give  another  proof  "  that  those  who 
deal  with  evil  feel  its  fangs." 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  199 


THE  ISSUES  OF  MR.  LINCOLN'S  ELECTION.* 

THERE  was,  in  1860,  a  Republican  and  a  Democratic  party. 
The  Republicans  opposed  the  extension  of  Slavery.  The 
Democrats  favored  such  an  extension.  The  firing  on  Sumter 
created  a  new  party.  All  that  remained  of  intelligent  pa 
triotism  joined  this  new  party,  assuming  the  well-deserved 
name  of  LTnion  Party.  The  storm  of  patriotic  indignation 
burst  from  the  Pacific  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  The  Repub 
lican  and  Democratic  parties  were  forgotten,  dissolved  and 
merged  in  the  Union  party.  This  party  had  the  field  alone 
for  more  than  a  year. 

Doubtless  the  slave  power  did  not  go  into  rebellion  with 
out  making  arrangements  with  the  Northern  traitors  to  assist 
in  the  villainy.  But  these  secret  allies  of  slavery  were  awed 
into  silence  by  the  general  rising  of  the  people.  At  length, 
after  the  excitement  had  somewhat  subsided,  Yallandigham 
organized  a  party  in  opposition  to  the  Union  party — the  man 
who  had  boasted  he  had  never  voted  a  dollar  to  repress  the 
rebellion.  We  need  no  proof,  though  there  is  proof  enough, 
that  the  rebels  would  not  have  commenced  open  war  on  the 
nation  without  assurance  of  assistance  from  their  subordinate 
party  leaders  in  the  North ;  and  it  was  expected  that  some 
of  them,  both  in  civil  and  military  life,  would  prove  to  be 
traitors  ;  and  the  rebellion  has  accordingly  produced  Vallaii- 
dighams  as  the  revolutionary  war  produced  tories.  The 
people  could  not  tell  who  were  traitors  until  they  observed 
the  fruits  ;  and  the  fruits,  often  but  dimly  seen  through  mists 
of  fraud,  at  length  revealed  the  true  character  of  many  who 
had  possessed  the  confidence  of  honest  Democrats. 

Jeif.  Davis,  in  his  last  speech  in  the  United  States  Senate, 
had  ground  for  saying  that  the  "  war  would  be  prosecuted  on 
Northern  soil"  The  letter  found  among  his  papers  in  Mis 
sissippi  from  ex-President  Pierce  encouraging  rebellion,  tells 
him,  in  case  of  war,  the  streets  of  Northern  cities  will  be 
stained  with  blood,  and  that  the  North  will  have  enough  to 

*  First  published  in  the  Belmont  Chronicle,  October  5, 1865. 


200  THOMAS    HEDGES 

do  at  home,  and  the  Southern  rebels  have  often  accused  the 
Northern  Democratic  leaders  of  treachery  in  not  keeping 
promises  of  assistance. 

Behold,  honest  Democrat,  the  gulf  in  which  you  came 
near  being  plunged  because  you  would  not  take  the  trouble 
to  investigate  and  think  for  yourself.  Be  thankful  to  your 
Broughs,  Tods  and  other  Democrats,  who,  joining  the  Union 
ists,  saved  you  from  war  on  Northern  soil.  You  who  have 
principles  should  not  follow  leaders  of  no  principles  —  the 
sorry  tools  of  rebellious  aristocrats.  These  unprincipled 
leaders  are  accused  of  treachery  because  they  did  not  arm 
and  share  the  bloody-bones  part  of  the  game.  Did  the  slave 
holders  not  know  that  sycophants,  who  mostly  follow  office- 
huuting  for  a  living,  are  not  reliable  in  bloody  extremities  ? 
These  assisted  to  murder  the. brave  and  increase  the  public 
debt  by  prolonging  the  war  as  far  .as  their  courage  permitted. 
From  the  nature  of  things  they  were  necessarily  a  selfish, 
cowardly  class,  who  would  have  delivered  their  own  brothers, 
chained  and  bound,  over  to  the  slaveholder,  if  they  could 
have  done  it  without  gun-shot  and  sabre  wounds.  It  is 
strange  the  rebel  Davis  expected  them  to  do  more  than  bark 
at  a  safe  distance  from  danger ;  and  that  on  the  promises  of 
Northern  poltroons  he  should  have  drawn  sword  against  the 
flag  he  had  sworn  to  defend,  merely  to  found  an  empire  whose 
corner-stone,  as  the  rebel  vice-president  declared,  should  be 
Slavery. 

Though  Slavery  nourished  and  created  the  will  to  rebel 
against  Democratic  government,  or  government  wielded  by 
the  people,  yet  the  means  of  carrying  rebellion  into  effect 
was  the  doctrine  of  State  sovereignty,  by  which  a  State  may 
claim  to  judge  of  the  measure  of  redress  for  its  grievances, 
real  or  imaginary  ;  put  its  hands  into  the  Union  pocket  and 
purchase  Florida,  Texas,  Louisiana,  extinguish  Indian  titles  ; 
pay  off  Texas  scrip,  and  then  at  the  suggestion  of  its  idlers 
and  demagogues  withdraw  from  the  Union  and  close  up  the 
outlets  to  the  ocean,  or  impose  a  tax  for  the  privilege  of  going 
thither.  Well,  if  a  State's  grievances  are  real,  they  should  be 
redressed,  and  the  Constitution  provides  the  Supreme  Court 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  201 

for  that  purpose,  among  others.  Besides,  there  is  the  tribunal 
of  the  whole  people,  whose  sense  of  justice  may  safely  be  ap 
pealed  to.  This  absurdity  of  one  of  thirteen  or  more  part 
ners  judging  in  his  own  cause  was  devised  by  some  Virginians 
in  1798,  but  110  other  States  save  Virginia  and  Kentucky 
assented  to  it.  John  C.  Calhoun,  disappointed  in  not  getting 
the  nomination  for  President  in  1828,  resorted  to  secession 
and  nullification  of  the  federal  laws.  His  pretext  was  an  op 
pressive  tariff,  though  voted  for  by  South  Carolina  members 
of  Congress.  Judge  Smith,  Senator  in  Congress  from  that 
State,  alleged  that  if  the  South  Carolina  members  had  voted 
against  the  tariff  complained  of,  instead  of  voting  for  it,  the 
tariff  would  have  been  defeated  by  seven  votes.  This  was 
the  grievance  (inflicted  by  her  own  votes)  for  which  South 
Carolina,  led  by  Calhoun,  applied  the  doctrine  of  the  resolu 
tions  of  '98,  and  in  November,  1832,  passed  her  ordinance  of 
secession  and  nullification.  General  Jackson  nipped  this 
villany  in  the  bud,  and,  it  is  said,  regretted  that  he  had  not 
hung  Calhoun,  and  thought  the  American  people  would  in 
future  times  blame  him  for  this  omission  of  duty  more  than 
for  any  other  cause. 

In  1861  the  doctrine  of  the  resolutions  of  '98  was  again  ap 
plied  011  other  pretexts.  The  slave  power  had  deliberately 
split  the  Democratic  party,  as  they  called  it,  into  three  parts 
to  insure  the  election  of  Lincoln,  that  they  might  complain, 
as  if  really  hurt,  that  a  sectional  President  was  elected,  and 
excite  the  ignorant  masses  of  the  South.  Thus  in  1832  and 
1861  the  pretext  for  applying  these  mischievous  resolutions 
was  manufactured  by  the  seceders  themselves ;  and  it  is 
abundantly  shown  that  whenever  a  demagogue  attains  a  con 
siderable  influence  in  any  State  he  may  set  the  State  to  disturb 
ing  the  peace  of  the  Union.  Every  good  citizen  will  see  the  ne 
cessity  of  rebuking  this  doctrine  and  giving  it  its  death-blow. 
An  opportunity  to  do  this  may  be  had  at  the  coming  election. 
The  party  opposed  to  the  Union  party,  calling  itself  Demo 
cratic,  has  made  the  resolutions  of  1Y98  a  part  of  its  plat 
form  ;  and  in  so  doing  undertakes  to  justify  the  principles  of 
the  late  rebellion,  and  lay  the  foundation  of  future  wars. 


202  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Has  not  this  doctrine  cost  us  enough  in  lives  and  treasure  to 
satisfy  any  one  that  it  should  be  put  down,  trampled  on,  and 
cursed  forever  ?  What  fruits  have  these  resolutions  of  '98 
borne  ?  The  secession  of  South  Carolina  in  1832 ;  and  the 
secession  of  herself,  with  many  of  her  sister  States,  in  1861. 
Of  what  use  is  this  false  claim  of  State  sovereignty  ?  Are 
not  all  the  States  interested  in  the  welfare  of  each  State,  and 
in  the  prosperity  and  dignity  of  the  nation  ?  Of  what  use, 
then,  but  such  as  we  have  twice  seen  it  used  for,  as  an  enter 
ing  wedge,  employed  by  State  demagogues  on  frivolous  pre 
tences  of  their  own  making,  to  split  the  nation  !  while  their 
bribed  or  deluded  agents  in  the  North  cry  lustily,  "  Let  the 
rebels  alone,  let  them  do  as  they  please,  if  you  wish  to  pre 
serve  the  Union."  It  was  doubtless  rebel  intelligence  that 
put  this  State  sovereignty  plank  in  the  Democratic  party's 
platform,  or  else  it  was  the  monarchical  intelligence  that  so 
greatly  favored  the  rebellion  ;  for  the  statesmen  of  monarchies 
cannot  fail  to  see  the  use  of  such  a  doctrine  in  affecting  future 
divisions  of  the  gigantic  republic.  They  can  easily  bribe  a 
man  who  controls  the  policy  of  a  single  State,  and  make  her 
take  the  lead  in  disunion.  The  doctrine  is,  in  brief,  an  indis 
pensable  handle  by  which  domestic  or  foreign  enemies  may 
take  hold  in  order  to  plunge  us  into  civil  war.  Union  on 
their  lips,  disunion  in  their  actions,  who  but  very  thought 
less  persons  can  fail  to  see  that  they  are  either  knowingly  or 
unknowingly  the  tools  of  rebels  or  foreign  foes,  who  ask  the 
people  to  sanction  by  their  votes  the  doctrine  that  a  State, 
led  by  a  John  C.  Calhoun  or  a  Yallandigham  may  rightfully 
do  what  may  plunge  the  nation  into  all  the  horrors  of  civil 
war.  Perverted  State  sovereignty  and  repudiation  in  various 
forms  will  be  attempted  by  the  enemies  of  our  greatness  to 
'  bewilder  and  weaken  the  nation,  for  if  she  break  her  contracts 
who  will  lend  to  her  in  her  next  need  ?  She  would  find  it 
difficult  to  defend  herself  against  a  nation  of  one-fourth  her 
own  numbers.  The  hostile  Delilahs  know  well  that  the 
secret  of  our  great  strength  is  our  good  credit,  won  by  uni 
form  honesty,  but  easily  lost  by  a  simple  act  of  dishonesty. 
Our  honesty  and  Union  are  our  strength  ;  fraud  and  disunion 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  203 

our  weakness  and  shame.  Our  credit  gone,  our  foes  would 
triumph.  A  single  State  might  then  rebel  almost  with  im 
punity.  The  devil  has  been  accused  of  assuming  the  name 
of  Christian  in  order  to  teach  his  own  doctrine.  He  may 
assume  the  name  of  Democrat  for  the  same  purpose.  Hence 
the  fruit  of  the  tree  and  the  tendency  and  effect  of  these  teach 
ings  should  be  scrutinized. 


THOUGHTS   ON  PROTECTION  OF  MANU 
FACTURES.* 

OE  sleeeping  or  waking,  I  lately  discovered  a  gentleman 
clothed  with  English  goods,  beseeching  some  power  in  aid  of 
domestic  manufactures.  I  noted  what  he  said,  and  herewith 
transmit  it  for  publication,  hoping  the  hints  therein  contained 
will  not  prove  un useful : 

"  We  cannot  maintain  competition  with  foreign  goods,  al 
though  they  pay  a  duty  of  twenty-five  per  cent  to  Govern 
ment,  and  a  considerable  sum  to  our  seamen,  ship-carpenters, 
for  freight,  etc.  We  therefore  ask  that  Congress  be  persuaded 
to  prevent  the  importation  of  foreign  goods,  that  we  may  ob 
tain  a  higher  price  for  ours.  But  we  will  not  secure  the  Gov 
ernment  twenty-five  per  cent  on  the  amount  we  manufacture ; 
nor  will  we  provide  employment  for  the  seamen.  Let  other 
nations,  or  the  coasting-trade,  nurse  seamen  for  our  navy ;  and 
let  direct  taxes  be  resorted  to  for  the  support  of  Government, 
while  we  get  rich  by  selling  the  people  goods  at  a  greater 
price  than  before. 

"  Let  our  protection  be  quickly  secured,  before  the  clouds  of 
sophistry  are  dissipated  by  the  force  of  common  sense.  Now 
when  a  man  buys  a  coat,  he  pays  something  towards  the  sup 
port  of  the  national  government ;  but  hereafter  let  him  give  a 
higher  price  for  it,  and  pay  the  whole  toward  our  support,  and 

*  First  published  as  a  communication  in  the  Belmont  Chronicle,  Septem 
ber  2, 1820. 


204  THOMAS    HEDGES   GENIN. 

we  may  then  live.  Do  not  let  the  people  see  that  they  now 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  nation  with  that  which  we  attempt 
to  fob,  without  giving  any  equivalent ;  although  we  hold  out 
expectations  of  a  home  market  for  agricultural  products,  which, 
will  be  very  much  under  our  control. 

"  As  we  wish  the  nation  to  concede  to  us  a  certainty  for  an 
uncertainty,  let  not  the  sovereign  people  discover  that  they 
reap  prosperity  from  that  commerce,  which  at  the  same  time 
exempts  them  from  federal  taxes,  and  supplies  them  with  cloth 
ing  ;  and  both  at  a  less  price  than  their  clothing  alone  could 
be  furnished  by  us.  Let  them  not  see  that  the  English  manu 
facturers,  working  fourteen  hours  per  day  for  a  poor  subsist 
ence,  are  a  description  of  slaves  to  American  agriculturists. 
Let  them  not  learn  that  while  our  merchants  are  enriched  by 
the  exchange,  our  seamen  and  ship-owners  benefited  by  the 
freight,  and  our  Government  supported  by  the  duties  of  for 
eign  goods,  these  goods  are  furnished  to  them  cheaper  than 
we  pretend  (or  true  or  false)  they  could  be  manufactured  by 
ourselves. 

u  May  the  people  scorn  the  bridge  (commerce)  which  they 
have  passed  over  in  safety,  and  go  astray  after  new  theories, 
directed  by  speculators  under  the  cloak  of  patriotism.  May 
they  not  recollect  that  those  manufacturers  who  have  failed, 
would  have  failed  in  perhaps  any  other  business  ;  being  defi 
cient  in  capital  and  economy.  The  ill  fortune  occasioned  by 
their  weakness  or  folly,  we  have  cunningly  attributed  to  the 
inadequate  protection  of  Congress.  Prosper  our  endeavors  ! 

"  Let  the  people  not  see  that  it  is  as  possible  to  get  in  debt 
to  our  own  manufacturers,  as  to  the  English,  and  as  injurious 
to  the  nation  to  be  unable  to  pay  the  one  as  the  other  class  of 
creditors. 

"  Moreover,  cloud  their  minds  with  assertions  bold,  and  an 
alogies  with  nations  whose  circumstances  are  materially  dif 
ferent  from  our  own,  that  their  attention  may  be  diverted 
from  the  foregoing  results." 


PEOSE   WHITINGS.  205 

SELF-KNOWLEDGE. 

SELECTION. 

"  KNOW  thyself,"  is  a  precept  useful  as  it  is  old.  Yet  how 
often  is  it  disregarded !  When  a  mechanic  would  instruct  a 
farmer  about  the  details  of  agriculture,  or  a  shoemaker  would 
teach  a  carpenter  in  the  mystery  of  framing  a  house,  or  a  man 
would  fill  an  office  without  half  the  abilities  of  a  rival  candi 
date  to  perform  its  duties,  how  forcibly  are  we  reminded  that 
he  is  unacquainted  with  himself!  Many  who  now  rush  to 
wards  office  as  swine  to  a  trough,  would  be  restrained  by  mod 
esty,  if  they  had  a  knowledge  of  themselves.  They  would  see 
and  feel  their  own  weakness ;  and  then,  if  they  were  honest  or 
patriotic,  it  might  be  hoped  they  would  not  endeavor  to  rob 
the  public  of  the  services  of  its  ablest  citizens,  by  crowding 
themselves  with  their  feeble  talents  into  stations  where  great 
abilities  are  needed.  If  they  should  persist  to  crowd  them 
selves  forward,  knowing  their  inferiority,  might  they  not  be 
styled  enemies  of  their  country?  Gould  you,  reader,  style 
him  a  friend,  who  would  take  out  of  your  hands  strength, 
and  give  you  weakness  in  its  place  for  your  defense  ?  Would 
you  not  suspect  he  valued  your  pay  as  much  as  your  safety  ? 

Few  are  willing  to  look  into  themselves ;  but  when  candi 
dates  for  office  neglect  to  do  it,  the  people  should  do  it  for 
them.  When  persons  who  know  their  inferiority  of  talents, 
offer  their  services  in  important  offices,  they  plainly  tell  the 
people  that  they  prefer  inferior  to  superior  qualifications  in 
public  servants.  A  strange  compliment !  just  such  an  one  as 
an  English  scribbler  once  gave  the  West.  He  says,  "  The  peo 
ple  of  the  United  States,  or  a  majority  of  them,  which  is  the 
same  thing,  will  one  day  prefer  ignorance  before  knowledge, 
if  not  vice  before  virtue.  Already  the  representatives  from 
the  western  States  owe  much  of  their  good  fortune  to  rye 
whiskey,  and  a  want  of  correct  intelligence  among  their  con 
stituents."  He  then  triumphantly  asks,  "  Does  not  this  boasted 
republic  contain  the  seeds  of  its  own  dissolution  ?"  Such  are 
the  predictions  of  our  enemies  ;  let  us  not  assist  in  their  fulfill- 


206  THOMAS   HEDGES    GENIN. 

ment,  but  carefully  examine  the  merits  of  candidates  for  every 
office.  Were  this  done,  those  who  are  too  lazy  or  too  avari 
cious  to  acquire  knowledge,  (which  is  within  reach  of  us  all,) 
would  not  venture  to  ask  our  suffrage.  Those  who  seek  every 
opportunity  to  bite  the  public  loaf,  will  get  their  fangs  into 
it  upon  the  easiest  terms :  they  would  not  even  learn  to  read, 
if  the  people  would  employ  them  without  that  qualification. 

But  some  one  inquires  if  such  persons  are  not  ashamed  to 
appear  in  stations*  where  wisdom  and  knowledge  are  expected. 
Perhaps  their  pride  is  sometimes  wounded ;  but  the  pay  heals 
the  wound.  They  often  want  self-knowledge,  and  do  not 
know  when  they  are  laughed  at.  They  have  certainly  not 
the  same  care  of  themselves,  that  a  prudent  father  once  had 
over  his  children.  Observing  that  they  had  weak  minds,  he 
located  them  on  farms  under  his  eye.  "When  asked  why  he 
put  them  in  so  limited  a  sphere,  he  replied,  "  My  sons  can  oc 
cupy  the  post  I  have  given  them  with  credit  to  themselves, 
and  some  honor  to  me.  I  have  too  much  regard  for  myself 
and  them,  to  place  them  where  they  will  expose  the  poverty 
of  their  genius." 


"THE  OLD  BACHELOR." 

THE  danger  of  setting  one's  affections  upon  improper  objects 
is  constantly  menacing  the  old  bachelor.  I  think  it  is  Plu 
tarch  who  says,  that  the  amorous  part  within  us,  rather  than 
be  idle,  will  for  want  of  a  proper  object,  bow  down  to  monk 
eys  and  little  dogs.  It  may  be,  that  as  this  amorous  part  must 
have  an  object,  that  the  old  bachelor  does  not  owe  his  celibacy 
to  a  want  of  spirits,  so  much  as  to  his  having  them  in  too  high 
a  degree :  wherefore  his  affections  become  set  upon  a  breast 
pin,  a  particular  quality  of  wares,  or  a  particular  mode  of 
expression,  or  course  of  conduct,  and  set  so  fatally  that  he 
cannot  set  them  on  woman.  Some  contend  that  he  cannot 
love  but  once. 

If  these  are  correct  in  their  opinion,  and  the  philosophic 


PKOSE   WETTINGS.  207 

Plutarch  is  not  mistaken  in  what  is  above  attributed  to  him, 
we  are  furnished  with  considerable  data  concerning  the  bache 
lor,  which  will  assist  in  explaining  many  things  in  his  conduct, 
supposed  to  be  enveloped  in  mystery.  At  the  age  of  fifteen, 
for  instance,  his  strong  affections  may  have  burst  forth  in  a 
torrent  in  some  direction,  and  toward  some  other  object  than 
woman — from  which  direction  he  cannot  turn  them.  Hence 
he  trots  down  three  or  four  generations  of  girls,  carrying 
among  them  the  shape  and  bloom  of  a  man,  and  exciting  their 
hopes  by  his  attentions :  but  they  presently  learn  that  he  is  a 
flower  whose  fragrance  of  affection  has  departed.  They  never 
find  out,  however,  on  what  object  it  reposes.  If  this  could  be 
ascertained,  the  world  would  not  so  often  say  of  him, 

"  Without  cause  is  he  rnad,  without  cause  is  he  pleas'd  ;" 

but  could  account  sometimes  for  his  seeming  eccentricities. 
If,  for  illustration,  his  fondness  was  known  to  be  for  a  poplar, 
we  should  not  be  surprised  to  see  him  melancholy  or  peevish 
during  a  tempest ;  if  for  keeping  records,  to  see  him  gloomy 
when  there  is  no  employment  for  a  secretary.  If  some  person, 
*  more  acquainted  with  human  nature,  would  pursue  this  inves 
tigation,  it  is  probable  that  many  causes  of  the  effects  observed 
in  this  part  of  our  species  might  be  discovered,  and  a  remedy 
applied  which  would  increase  their  usefulness  in  society. 


ON   BANKING. 

SELECTION. 

LET  the  note-holder  be  safe  and  banking  free.  Capital 
makes  most  profit,  when  it  represses  competition.  Could  the 
merchants  cf  St.  Clairsville  cause  a  law  to  pass,  limiting  their 
number  in  the  county  to  two,  and  that  none  should  trade  but 
on  capital  of  $50,000,  a  few  individuals  would  make  great 
profits.  If  the  lawyers  could  effect  the  same  limitations,  the 
favored  few  would  thrive.  Anciently,  they  were  limited  to 
six  in  the  city  of  New  York.  If  the  millers  could  get  their 


208  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

number  limited  to  five,  east  of  the  Muskingum,  the  five  would 
do  well.     Monopolies  in  most  pursuits  have  existed. 

Keep  down  competition  is  the  motto  of  all  profit-mongers. 
Hence  the  stage-coach  takes  a  passenger  a  hundred  miles  for 
twenty-five  cents  to  repress  a  rival  line.  Hence  a  quack  tra 
duces  his  brother  quack.  Hence  the  sharper  intrigues  to  get 
usury  laws  enacted,  that  he  may  have  the  money-market  to 
himself,  well  knowing  that  wants  must  exist.  Choosing  to 
supply  them  at  his  own  price,  he  gets  a  statute  passed  to  keep 
all  the  law-abiding,  the  timid  and  moderate  profit  dealers  out 
of  the  market.  Let  Legislators  remove,  or  prevent  wants. 
There's  the  evil.  If  they  cannot  do  it,  then  let  them  not  ob 
struct  the  path  of  the  needy  with  laws  that  drive  him  into  the 
hands  of  the  un  conscientious,  who,  when  unchecked  by  com 
petition,  do  as  they  please.  I  once  witnessed  the  alarm  of 
some  money-lenders,  at  a  recommendation  of  the  Press  to  re 
peal  the  usury  law  in  JSTew  York,  as  inconsistent  with  the 
intelligence  of  the  age.  They  said  it  ought  to  be  refuted. 
One,  touching  another's  knee  with  his  finger,  with  full-moon 
eyes,  observed  :  "  Certainly,  it  will  bring  money  down  to^ 
eight  per  cent."  u  Yery  different  that  from  four  per  cent,  per 
month  ;"  rejoined  his  friend. 

When  a  usury  law  is  in  force  one  may  ask  forty  persons  in 
succession  for  a  loan,  without  getting  it,  although  all  have  the 
money,  and  would  be  glad  to  lend  it  for  about  eight  per  cent., 
on  an  average,  were  it  lawful  to  do  so.  If  one  is  willing  to 
disregard  the  absurd  law,  he  is  not  willing  to  take  an  interest 
equal  to  the  risk ;  he,  therefore,  declines  to  loan.  Another, 
through  fear  of  loss,  declines  ;  and  a  third  through  respect  for 
law.  Thus  the  borrower  is  driven  to  apply  to  those  who  are 
not  nice  on  these  points,  and  is  obliged  to  give  50  per  cent., 
for  $500,  when  the  forty  persons  he  has  applied  to,  hold 
$100,000,  waiting  for  investment  at  the  next  sheriff's  sale,  or 
to  be  used  to  buy  the  small  farms  around,  and  to  outbid  the 
poor.  Usury  laws  give  to  the  devourer  all  the  advantage ; 
compel  the  rich  to  be  richer,  by  taking  all  the  good  bargains, 
instead  of  assisting  the  poor  to  reach  them- ;  and  the  poor  to 
be  poorer. 


PROSE  WETTINGS.  209 

Money  lies  not  patiently  for  demagogues  to  try  experiments 
on  it.  It  leaps  to  Virginia,  New  York,  or  across  the  Atlan 
tic.  The  demagogue  gets  his  wages  from  the  abused  people, 
forms  a  link  in  that  experience  which  makes  fools  wise,  and 
fulfills  his  destiny ;  but  the  people  must  still  pay  their  taxes 
in  spite  of  his  blunders. 

A  State  should  invite,  not  repel  capital ;  give  equality  of 
privileges,  avoid  monopolies,  offer  incentives  to  virtue,  not 
tempt,  as  in  the  bankrupt  law,  the  innocent  to  be  dishonest, 
nor  force  the  creditor  to  sue  the  debtor  portion  of  the  commu 
nity,  in  order  either  to  take  their  funds  away  from  Ohio,  or 
to  invest  them  in  bank  stock  within  the  State.  A  State 
should  not  degrade  its  officers,  nor  seek  the  services  of  the 
incompetent.  It  should  require  its  legislators  to  regard  the 
intelligent  as  well  as  the  supposed  ignorant  within  its  bor 
ders.  The  time  was  when  men  devgted  their  lives  to  their 
country ;  now  they  would  sacrifice  the  country  for  fear,  not 
of  losing  life,  but  a  few  votes  of  the  inconsiderate. 


PROFESSION  AND  PEACTICE. 

SELECTION. 

How  often  need  one  praise  virtue  in  order  to  practice  vice 
advantageously  ?  How  often  praise  truth  before  a  lie  may  be 
hazarded  ?  How  much  love  express  for  the  people  while  pick 
ing  their  pockets  ?  How  many  personal  reflections  on  a  rea- 
soner  will  refute  his  arguments  ?  How  much  must  a  people's 
capacity  for  self-government  be  extolled  to  induce  them  to 
govern  themselves  for  the  benefit  of  others  ? 

The  physician  of  Pyrrhus  proposed  to  the  Romans  that  for 
a  certain  sum  of  money  he  would  poison  Pyrrhus,  on  whose 
bounty  he  had  lived.  But  the  Romans  disdaining  to  use  so 
base  a  tool,  informed  Pyrrhus  how  unfortunate  he  was  in  his 
selection  of  friends  and  enemies.  Were  it  possible  for  the 


210  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

scrub  nobility,  termed  the  slave  power,  to  be  as  magnanimous 
as  these  Romans,  might  they  not  point  out  to  us  some  traitor 
ous  political  quacks  who  are  fed  by  our  bounty  while  seeking, 
as  tools  of  that  nobility,  to  poison  the  fountains  of  our  pros 
perity  ? 

So  long  as  people  will  not  take  the  trouble  to  think,  they 
will  commit  blunders ;  take  names  for  things ;  suffer  from  false 
guides  ;  guides  who  lead  them  into  measures  beneficial  to  the 
enemy  and  hurtful  to  themselves. 

Yigilance  is  said  to  be  the  price  of  liberty.  Of  this  truth 
no  people  have  been  sufficiently  sensible,  as  the  graves  of 
past  republics  testify.  Christ's  concern  for  this  indolence  of 
the  mind  is  evident.  He  would  have  the  spirits  tried,  the 
tree  judged  by  its  fruits,  and  the  talent  well  employed.  It  is 
painful  to  see  an  immortal  being  led  over  his  own  grain  field, 
and  sheep  fold,  and  currency,  by  a  party  halter,  dragging  a 
vehicle  loaded  with  fetters,  cotton,  Texas  grants  and  scrip. 

To  separate  the  citizens,  who  have  most  interest  in  study 
ing  the  bearing  of  public  measures,  from  those  who  have  less 
inducement  to  do  so,  is  the  business  of  those  who  design  to 
lead  the  people  astray  from  their  true  interests.  Common 
schools  have  not  been  generally  neglected  in  the  Slave  States 
without  a  strong  reason.  How  delightful  to  pay  for  insults 
to  our  understanding ! 

The  Free  States  are  in  the  extreme  of  Democracy,  while 
the  Slave  States  are  in  the  extreme  of  aristocracy ;  having  a 
political  power  founded  on  property.  A  pretty  power  this,  to 
give  law  to  genuine  Democrats  !  ^This  power  has  held  the 
presidential  patronage  with  which  it  has  bought  Northern 
men,  paid  its  tools  with  hopes  of  office  more  than  with  the 
reality,  and  made  the  Free  States  subordinate  to  the  policy 
and  will  of  the  slave  power.  The  tools  of  this  power  are  to 
be  crowded  into  every  party,  requiring  the  members  of  all 
parties  to  be  on  their  guard.  This  power,  so  largely  founded 
on  property,  professes  through  its  tools  to  see  great  danger,  or 
evil,  in  the  union  of  the  little  savings  of  some  farmers,  law 
yers,  tinkers  and  cobblers,  in  the  form  of  bank  stock ;  although 
five  shares  of  bank  stock  do  not  give  three  votes  to  the  own- 


PKOSE   WRITINGS.  211 

ers,  as  five  slaves  do.  If  bank  stock  conferred  political  power 
according  to  the  number  of  shares,  like  negro  stock,  it  might 
lead  to  abuses  ;  but  what  must  we  think  of  one  who  hugs  the 
slave  power,  and  pretends  to  be  alarmed  at  bank  stock  ? 
Does  he  not  strain  at  a  gnat  and  swallow  a  camel  ? 


PERMANENCE  IN  THE  TAEIFF. 

SELECTION. 

ON  a  recent  visit  to  Wheeling,  I  was  informed  that  the 
town  was  fast  recovering  from  the  paralysis  brought  on  by 
the  low  state  of  the  tariff  in  1839,  1840,  1841  and  1842. 
The  many  Belmonters  seen  at  the  market-house  with  pro 
duce  for  sale  showed  for  whose  benefit  the  tariff  of  1842 
was  working.  There  could  be  no  mistake.  The  venders  of 
chickens,  butter  and  beef,  merchants,  manufacturers,  bankers, 
landlords  —  every  link  in  the  social  circle  brightening  and 
illustrating  its  dependence  on  all  the  others. 

If  the  farmer  cannot  get  good  prices,  the  merchant  and 
manufacturer  are  doing  a  dull  business.  No  one  prospers 
then.  Fewer  buildings  are  erected ;  less  goods  purchased ; 
the  lawyer,  physician  and  parson  with  difficulty  collect  their 
fees.  All  suffer  except,  perhaps,  the  salaried  officer,  who  has 
no  interest  in  the  country  but  his  office. 

The  increase  of  Wheeling  increases  the  value  of  Belmont 
lands  and  of  the  labor  bestowed  on  them,  by  affording  a  con 
venient  market  for  their  products.  Whatever  politicians  may 
say,  the  property  holders  of  Wheeling  feel  that  its  prosperity 
depends  not  only  on  the  permanence  of  the  tariff,  but  on  a 
confidence  in  its  permanence.  A  want  of  this  confidence 
prevents  or  retards  investments  for  manufacturing  purposes. 
The  continuance  of  the  tariff  is  found  to  be  an  element  of 
every  proposed  bargain  for  property.  "  If  one  were  sure  of 
the  continuance  of  the  tariff',  one  could  venture  to  engage  so 


212  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

and  so,"  is  the  oft-repeated  language  of  dealers.  "Not  that 
our  manufacturers  so  much  fear  the  rivalry  of  the  foreign 
manufacturer ;  for  they  are  now  competing  with  him  in  for 
eign  markets  successfully  ;  but  they  fear  his  government, 
who,  by  premiums  on  exports,  may  enable  him  to  undersell 
them  here  at  home,  unless  prevented  by  a  tariff.  The  pre 
mium  would  not  be  lost  to  the  foreign  government,  but  got 
back  with  interest,  in  the  shape  of  excise,  after  the  destruc 
tion  of  our  manufactures  had  enabled  the  foreigner  to  raise 
prices. 


KAILEOADS  FOE  DEFENSE. 

THE  North  having,  by  individual  and  State  enterprise,  be 
come  well  supplied  with  railroads,  it  is  time  for  the  South  to 
discover  that  the  Federal  Government  has  the  constitutional 
power  to  make  internal  improvements,  especially  as  with  the 
help  of  Texan  votes,  such  improvements  may  now  be  made 
in  the  South  exclusively — all  for  war  purposes,  however. 
Better  defences  than  Railroads  can  scarce  be  constructed.  As 
soon  as  it  was  certain  that  Texas  was  to  be  annexed,  the 
Mississippi  became  an  inland  sea.  The  country  had  done 
more  for  defense  in  the  last  fifteen  years  than  at  any  former 
period.  Instead  of  erecting  fortresses  that  might  shield  an 
enemy,  Railroads  have  been  made  by  which  supplies  and 
forces  may  be  concentrated  instantly  to  drive  him  into  the 
ocean.  On  almost  any  point  from  Washington  to  Boston, 
100,000  men  may  be  thrown  in  little  more  than  one  day,  each 
man  carrying  ten  days'  provision.  Battle  might  be  given 
forthwith,  overwhelming  the  enemy ;  unless  he  could  got 
some  very  advantageous  position  ;  before  the  provision  was 
consumed,  either  the  campaign  would  be  victoriously  ended 
or  the  governmental  supplies  would  have  arrived. 

The  magno-electric  telegraph  and  the  railroad  will  fear 
fully  increase  the  capacity  of  power  for  good  or  evil  in  all 
countries,  making  the  government  omnipresent,  and  giving 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  213 

rebellion  scarce  any  advantage  of  a  start  in  the  race.  The 
Emperor  Nicholas  can  soon  throw  ten  thousand  men,  at 
thirty-five  miles  an  hour,  to  any  point  of  threatened  insurrec 
tion,  and  thus  make  them  do  the  work  that  it  formerly  took 
three  hundred  thousand  to  perform. 

In  proportion,  therefore,  as  the  facilities  for  the  passage  of 
troops  are  increased  in  a  republic,  the  standing  army  should 
be  diminished  until  there  is  none  at  all.  The  republic  is 
safest  when  left  to  the  protection  of  valiant  hearts.  Doubt 
less  so  thought  the  Athenians  after  they  had  granted  Pisis- 
tratus  his  body-guard.  Republics  have  been  destroyed  from 
within,  not  from  without,  though  outward  pressure  has  often 
given  the  body-guard  to  the  usurper.  Troops  raised  to  de 
fend  their  country  in  just  and  necessary  wars  have  been 
used  to  destroy  its  liberties,  uniting  with  their  chief  to  rob 
the  people,  as  mutineers  take  command  of  a  ship  and  become 
pirates.  Hence,  war  is  always  dangerous  to  republics,  as  in 
dividuals  must  be  trusted  with  power  formidable  to  liberty ; 
and  when  the  power  thus  entrusted  can  be  given  twenty-fold 
effect  by  speed,  of  course  the  danger  is  proportionately  in 
creased.  But  if  two  hundred  men  can  be  made  as  efficient 
for  suppressing  insurrection  as  six  thousand  formerly  were, 
when  they  had  to  be  stationed  in  small  companies  over  a  wide 
space,  the  argument  of  economy,  as  well  as  that  of  safety, 
requires  the  extension  of  railroads  in  the  South.  It  will  be 
constitutional  to  make  internal  improvements  there,  and 
though  it  may  be  economical  it  will  not  be  more  so  than  to 
have  cleared  of  snags  our  western  rivers,  where  millions  have 
been  yearly  lost  for  want  of  sufficient  appropriation  by 
Congress. 


RANDOM  THOUGHTS.* 

MILLIONS  for  defense  of  our  own  rights,  but  not  a  cent  for 
invading  the  rights  of  others. 

*  This  was  published  in  June,  1846,  and  bears  upon  the  arguments  used 
in  support  of  the  existing  Mexican  War. 


214:  THOMAS   HEDGES   GEJNTN". 

If  yon  have  done  wrong,  do  so  no  more  ;  make  reparation 
and  repent. 

Does  a  man  oppose  freedom  of  speech  and  of  the  press  ? 
He  is  a  traitor  to  the  Constitution. 

The  cheese-monger  of  Cincinnati  who  questioned  the  valor 
of  the  American  troops  did  a  foolish  thing ;  but  the  mob, 
who  burned  up  his  cheese  for  it,  were  criminal  as  well  as 
foolish.  He  had  a  right  to  make  foolish  speeches.  He  forgot 
that  he  was  not  in  Old  England. 

Lord  Mansfield  is  said  to  have  decided,  in  that  country, 
that  an  old  woman  had  a  right  to  ride,  feet  upwards,  on  a 
broomstick,  through  the  air,  as  there  was  no  law  against  it ; 
and  the  honest  people,  though  angry  at  her  pretensions,  be 
came  reconciled  to  the  judge's  decision,  and  concluded  not 
to  jeopardize  their  own  rights  by  quarreling  with  the  old 
woman's  taste,  which  was  more  likely  to  harm  herself  than 
others.  An  English  writer  cites  this  case  to  prove  that  his 
countrymen  have  good,  hard,  common  sense. 

Texas,  at  no  time,  had  a  thousand  troops  in  the  field  it  is 
said  ;  yet  she  was  safe  against  Mexico  ;  but  since  she  has  be 
come  our  shield,  it  takes  4,000  regular  troops  and  15,000 
volunteers  to  be  in  the  field,  and  35,000  volunteers  to  be 
ready  to  spring  to  her  aid ;  twelve  new  war  steamers  to  be 
built,  to  say  nothing  of  heroic  resolves  in  order  to  protect  her. 

The  federalists,  before  the  war  of  1812,  said  our  govern 
ment  could  not  be  kicked  into  a  war ;  but  after  it  declared 
war  they  reproached  it  for  so  doing,  though  it  was  declared 
against  the  impressment  of  our  seamen  ;  and  as  it  was  deemed 
just,  it  became  popular,  and  the  federalists  unpopular.  Does 
it  follow  that  all  wars  are  popular,  as  well  the  unjust  as  the 
just  ?  If  so,  we  have  original  sin  in  excess  ;  and  the  fourteen 
Lots  in  Congress  may  endure  what  the  demagogues  have  fore 
told.  These  arch  demagogues  are  apt  to  understand  the  weak 
side  of  the  people,  as  their  chief  study  is  to  retain  office, 
let  what  may  befall  the  country,  its  welfare  being  to  them 
quite  a  subordinate  object.  They  are  more  concerned  about 
the  opinions  of  some  dozen  ignorant  and  vicious  voters  than 
the  safety  or  ruin  of  the  country.  Hence  the  opinions  of 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  215 

demagogues  deserve,  as  political  thermometers,  regard,  as 
marking  the  state  of  public  opinion,  the  state  of  folly  or  wis 
dom  of  a  people,  and  of  a  nation's  inclination  to  be  just  or 
unjust. 

The  people  of  Athens  showed  they  were  able  to  govern 
themselves  when  they  rejected  a  project  merely  because  it 
was  unjust,  though  full  of  present  benefit. 

"  For  fortune  when  her  flowerets  blow, 
Oft  bears  the  bitter  fruits  of  woe  ; 
But  to  the  just,  with  blooming  grace, 
Still  flourishes  a  beauteous  race. 
One  base  deed,  with  prolific  power, 
Like  its  curs'd  stock  engenders  more." 
The  old  injustice  joys  to  breed 
Her  young,  instinct  with  villainous  deed  ; 
The  young  her  destined  hour  will  find 
To  rush  in  mischief  on  mankind  ; 
But  Justice  bids  her  ray  divine 
Upon  the  low-roofed  cottage  shine  ; 
And  beams  her  glories  on  the  life 
That  knows  not  fraud  nor  ruffian  strife. 
The  gorgeous  glare  of  gold  obtain'd 
By  foul-polluted  hands,  disdained 
She  leaves,  and  with  averted  eyes 
To  humbler,  holier  mansions  flies  ; 
And  looking  through  the  times  to  come, 
Assigns  each  deed  its  righteous  doom ! 


USURY  LAWS. 

IF  the  Constitution  prohibited  legislation  on  the  subject  of 
interest,  it  probably  never  would  rise  above  eight  per  cent, 
because  of  the  competition  of  lenders.  Hence  large  lenders, 
the  extreme  sharpers,  are  the  real  fathers  of  usury  laws.  They 
wish  to  exclude  the  people  at  large  from  competing  with  them 
in  the  money  market.  They  well  know  that  wants  will  exist 


216  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENES'. 

whose  gratification  must  be  governed  by  the  law  of  supply 
and  demand,  and  that  nothing  can  reduce  prices  but  a  plenti 
ful  supply.  To  prevent  this  supply  has  ever  been  the  object 
of  sharpers,  and  they  have  used  the  prejudices  of  the  thought 
less  to  effect  their  object.  The  vile,  cock-fighting,  horse-racing 
parsons  and  profligate  lords  of  England,  whose  prodigal  habits 
force  them  to  borrow  in  anticipation  of  income,  have  modestly 
claimed  to  fix  the  price  at  which  the  industrial,  more  moral, 
and  frugal  classes  should  lend  it.  But  in  spite  of  severe  usury 
laws,  we  see  the  price  of  money  quoted  in  business  centres  at 
one,  two  and  three  per  cent  per  month.  The  severer  the  law, 
the  higher  the  interest  ascends ;  because  the  mass  of  the  peo 
ple  are  kept  out  of  the  market  from  respect  to  the  law,  while 
a  wise  few  do  the  lending,  selecting  for  borrowers  men  of 
sense ;  men  who  would  as  soon  think  of  stealing  the  grave 
clothes  from  a  corpse  as  attempting  to  plead  usury.  These 
few  are  much  tempted,  if  they  have  influence  over  banks,  to 
borrow  largely  at  bank  interest  in  order  to  lend  again  at  higher 
rates  of  interest ;  and  I  have  heard  them  accused  of  seeking 
by  usury  laws  to  force  the  money  of  mechanics  and  farmers 
into  bank  stock,  in  order  that  they  (the  said  wise  few)  might 
get  the  handling  of  the  funds  for  their  own  purposes. 

I  can  see  no  good  reason  why  the  people  should  not  be  per 
mitted  to  sell  their  money,  or  rent  or  lend  it,  as  they  do  their 
houses  or  horses.  The  fixing  a  value  on  one's  property  by  law 
is  strikingly  absurd ;  and  is  like  declaring  by  statute  a  dry 
ridge  navigable.  The  relation  of  demand  and  supply  deter 
mines  the  value  of  the  money ;  and  the  amount  of  water  the 
navigability  of  the  ridge.  That  all  nations  have  had  usury 
laws,  shows  that  the  few  in  all  nations  have  the  many  ridden ; 
that  cupidity  is  ever  seeking  to  control  the  property  of  others 
for  its  own  advantage.  Why  not  let  the  people  at  large  lend 
their  money  directly  for  eight,  nine,  ten,  or  any  other  per 
cent,  instead  of  forcing  them  to  employ  bankers  to  work  out  a 
per  cent  for  them.  Why  deter  foreign  capital  from  entering 
the  State  ? 

There  was  a  time  when  Philadelphia  had  a  greater  popula 
tion  than  New  York.  In  spite  of  the  ignorance  and  preju- 


PEOSE   WRITINGS.  217 

dices  of  the  times,  the  statesmen  of  New  York,  well  knowing 
that  business  would  attend  capital,  contrived  to  put  interest 
one  per  cent  higher  than  in  the  other  States.  This  soon  car 
ried  New  York  ahead  of  Philadelphia;  and  now  more  than 
one  half  of  the  whole  revenue  of  the  nation  is  collected  in  New 
York  city :  showing  her  great  superiority  in  capital  as  well  as 
population  •  and  this  superiority  was  manifested  before  her 
canal  came  into  operation,  and  as  to  her  harbor  it  is  no  better 
than  some  others  on  the  coast. 

In  May,  1837,  money  was  three  per  cent  per  month  in  New 
York,  according  to  the  published  quotations.  In  1845  it  was 
five  per  cent  per  year.  A  capable  judge  in  such  matters,  do 
ing  business  in  that  city,  told  me  that  the  price  of  money 
could  not  have  reached  one  per  cent  per  month  in  1837,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  usury  law,  which  kept  the  many  out  of  the 
market,  and  left  it  to  the  few  without  competition.  The  many 
would  not  lend  at  seven  per  cent  when  it  was  worth  more  to 
buy  goods  with  at  sheriff's  sales,  three-fourths  of  which  sales 
might  not  have  occurred  if  the  victims  could  have  borrowed 
of  every  and  any  body,  or  if  quack  law  had  not  cut  off  the 
chief  arteries  that  supply  the  vital  fluid  of  business. 

The  law  of  demand  and  supply  is  a  law  of  nature,  and  hu 
man  laws  cannot  repeal  it,  more  than  they  could  make  a  river 
run  up  stream.  An  obstruction  could  be  placed  in  the  chan 
nel  which  would  disturb  the  current,  but  it  would  still  go  on 
in  spite  of  the  obstacle.  Poor  Pennsylvania  is  just  now  waking 
up  on  this  subject,  while  New  York  is  trying  to  keep  ahead  by 
proposing  to  abolish  all  restrictions  on  the  trade  in  money. 

"When  the  bank  of  St.  Clairsville  was  in  operation,  it  con 
tained  generally  between  fifty  and  sixty  thousand  dollars  of 
deposit.  Knowing  certain  men  had  deposits  there,  I  have 
advised  the  applicant  for  a  loan  to  call  on  these  depositors. 
The  applicant  returned  afterwards  with  the  report  that  none 
of  them  had  money  to  lend,  but  that  money  could  be  got  for 
him,  if  he  could  afford  to  pay  twenty  per  cent  for  it ;  and  he 
had  agreed  to  give  that  per  cent.  On  my  afterwards  asking 
the  depositors  why  they  refused  to  lend,  they  said  they  would 
not  lend  for  six  per  cent.  I  found  they  would  have  loaned  at 


218  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

from  eight  to  ton  per  cent,  if  there  had  been  no  law  to  dodge 
in  doing  so.  Thus  I  have  often  seen  borrowers  obliged  to 
give  fifteen  to  twenty  per  cent  when  I  did  not  doubt  that 
some  forty  thousand  dollars  wras  lying  idle,  waiting  for  invest 
ment,  and  could  have  been  had  at  from  eight  to  ten  per  cent, 
if  there  had  been  no  legal  obstructions  in  the  way. 

It  is  needless  to  point  out  the  advantages  which  usury  laws 
give  to  enterprising  financiers,  who  thrive  best  in  troubled 
and  muddy  waters ;  who  leap  the  ditch  that  holds  back  the 
mass  of  the  people,  confining  them  to  scant  pasture,  while 
they  who  leap  over  enjoy  fine  picking,  without  any  wear  and 
tear  of  conscience — as  they  cannot,  until  deprived  of  sense, 
think  it  wrong  to  sell  gold  or  silver  at  its  real  value,  as  well 
as  Yankee  cheese. 

In  spite  of  forfeiture  of  both  principal  and  interest,  by  the 
laws  of  New  York,  the  value  of  money  has  been  quoted  as 
regularly  as  that  of  Ohio  State  stock,  coifee  or  shad,  from  five 
to  thirty-six  per  cent.  A  while  anterior  to  1837  so  many  had 
learned  the  way  of  dodging  the  usury  laws,  that  shaving  be 
came  a  dull  business  in  New  York.  The  usurers  contrived  to 
have  the  machine  tinkered  so  as  to  cut  off  the  "  dodge."  Their 
prospects  soon  brightened.  It  was  in  this  improved  state  of 
the  machine  that  money  rose  to  three  per  cent  a  month  in 
1837. 


JIJKIES  DECIDING  BY  MAJOEITY— A  SUB 
STITUTE. 

ALL  lawyers,  of  much  experience,  know  that  in  cases  some 
what  complex,  or  difficult  of  comprehension,  the  jury,  on  tak 
ing  a  vote  on  the  case,  at  first  show  that  only  two  or  three 
have  comprehended  it ;  sometimes  only  one.  This  minority 
explains,  over  and  over,  to  the  majority,  until,  in  the  course 
of  thirty  or  forty  hours,  the  whole  jury  get  to  understand  it. 
This  comes  from  the  nature  of  things.  There  are  more  weak 
than  strong  minds.  For  one  that  is  strong  and  disciplined, 


PROSE   WRITINGS.  219 

there  are  some  scores  of  mediocres,  and  creatures  of  mere  im 
pulse,  prejudice  or  passion,  with  whom  reason  has  little  or 
nothing  to  do.  If  two  or  three  out  of  a  dozen  juries  be  capa 
ble  of  understanding  a  difficult  case,  it  is  great  luck.  But 
these  would  uniformly  be  out-voted  in  such  cases,  and  if  they 
had  no  power  to  check  the  majority  until  they  could  enlighten 
it,  jury  trials  would  soon  be  intolerable.  If  the  one,  two,  or 
three,  that  comprehend  the  case,  fail  to  convince  the  majority, 
it  is  better  the  jury  should  be  dismissed  for  disagreement, 
than  give  a  wrong  verdict.  So  long  as  we  try  by  jury,  the 
general  safety  requires  that  the  brains  of  that  body  should  be 
allowed  a  preponderance,  and  have  a  chance,  at  least,  to  guide 
it  to  correct  conclusions  or  prevent  a  wrong  conclusion. 

A  substitute  for  a  jury  has  been  extensively  tried  in  chan 
cery  courts,  and  found  very  reliable.  The  Master  in  Chancery 
has  reduced  the  testimony  to  writing  in  the  presence  of  the 
parties  or  their  counsel,  and  afterward  made  his  report,  or 
rendered  his  verdict,  upon  which  the  court,  if  no  exceptions 
were  filed  to  the  report,  proceeded  to  judge  or  decree.  By 
this  mode  the  expense  of  each  witness's  deposition,  at  ten 
cents  the  hundred  words,  has  not  averaged  over  one  dollar 
probably  in  each  suit.  The  witness  is  not  detained,  generally, 
more  than  one  day.  In  cases  of  appeal  his  deposition  can  be 
handed  up  with  the  rest  of  the  papers  without  more  expense. 
If  there  is  error  in  the  report  or  decree,  the  testimony  stands 
in  writing  by  which  the  error  may  be  corrected.  If  the  court 
think,  on  argument  of  the  exceptions  to  the  master's  report, 
that  it  is  wrong  in  any  respect,  they  may  refer  it  back  to  the 
same,  or  another  master,  for  further  examination  and  report, 
or  to  take  further  testimony  and  make  further  report. 

The  master  has  full  time  and  opportunity  to  examine  and 
decide.  Counsel  may  argue  the  matter  to  him,  and  if  they 
have  often  omitted  to  do  so,  it  was  probably  because  they  sup 
posed  it  unnecessary,  or  because  they  thought  the  master  as 
capable  of  understanding  it  as  themselves.  I  do  not  remem 
ber  of  hearing  suitors  complain  of  masters'  reports,  as  finally 
received  and  adopted.  The  cheapness  and  certainty  of  this 
mode  of  trial  ought  to  have  commended  it  to  reformers.  It 


220  THOMAS    HEDGES    GEOTN". 

besides  would  prevent  much  litigation ;  for  how  many  suits 
are  brought  in  the  hope  of  a  finding  of  the  facts  according  to 
the  prejudices  of  the  jury  !  I  have  heard  a  lawyer  say  to  his 
client,  "In  strictness  of  law  you  cannot  recover :  but  there  is 
no  telling  what  a  jury  might  do."  The  client  is  thus  induced 
to  bring  suit.  The  lawyer  evades  responsibility,  gets  his  fee, 
and  wins  an  opportunity  of  making  a  speech  by  way  of  adver 
tisement  of  his  calling.  If  the  master  were  bribed,  or  inclined 
to  be  partial,  he  could  not,  still,  divert  the  course  of  justice : 
for  the  evidence  would  be  in  writing,  and  taken  down  under 
the  eyes  of  the  suitors  or  their  counsel.  The  Judges  of  the 
Court  of  last  resort  would  have  to  be  bribed  also  to  effect  the 
evil  purpose ;  but  who  could  bribe  the  public  before  whose 
eyes  the  recorded  testimony  could  be  brought,  and  the  Judges 
themselves  arraigned  ? 

The  master,  referee,  or  single  juror,  whatever  his  name, 
would  act  under  a  responsibility,  which  would  generally  over 
rule  any  feeling  of  friendship  or  malice  for  the  suitor,  were  the 
other  checks  wanting.  It  can  scarcely  be  hoped  that  a  ma 
jority  of  the  lawyers  will  favor  this  plan,  for  it  would  diminish 
their  income,  as  well  as  their  chances  for  cultivating  and  dis 
playing  their  eloquence;  though,  as  a  class,  they  are  as  patri 
otic  and  self-sacrificing  as  any  other.  Eloquence  is  a  good 
thing,  but  should  not  cost  too  much.  It  indeed,  according  to 
Tacitus,  flourishes  best  where  the  machinery  of  government 
is  disordered  or  imperfect  and  needs  much  tinkering.  Meas 
ures,  then,  that  save  wind  must  be  sanitary. 

Among  the  inconveniences  to  be  obviated  by  the  proposed 
substitute  are  the  many  days'  attendance  of  witnesses  before 
they  can  be  examined  in  open  court ;  the  winnowing  out  of 
all  intelligent  men  in  order  to  procure  the  veriest  chaff  of 
humanity  for  jurors ;  the  two  to  ten  hour  speeches  addressed 
to  jurors  to  penetrate  their  supposed  stupidity,  or  excite  their 
prejudices ;  the  feeling  of  but  one-twelfth  of  a  proper  respon 
sibility  by  the  juror,  and  the  non-existence  of  a  record  of  the 
testimony. 


PROSE  WRITINGS.  221 


THE   DESIGN   OF  PKOYIDENCE.* 

THE  events  just  passed  seem  to  show  that  heaven  designed 
the  liberation  of  the  slaves.  To  effect  this  the  Northern  lead 
ers  of  the  mis-named  Democratic  Party  gave  encouragement 
to  the  South  to  rebel,  but  failed  to  second  the  rebellion  with 
blows  ;  giving  the  rebels  hope  with  words,  and  thus  prolong 
ing  the  contest.  A  large  opposition  minority  was  necessary 
to  feed  this  hope.  A]l  were  surprised  at  the  numbers  of  this 
minority  while  its  leaders  were  in  the  interest  of  despotism  ; 
favoring  a  government  whose  corner-stone  was  to  be  human 
slavery,  as  its  Yice-President,  Stephens,  declared.  Most  per 
sons  who  adhered  to  the  party,  called  Democratic,  did  so  be 
cause  they  or  their  fathers  had  thought  it  the  party  most 
favorable  to  liberty  and  equal  rights.  They  had  boasted  of 
the  Government  all  the  years  of  their  manhood  as  the  very 
best  government  on  earth.  Yet  they  saw  that  Government 
attacked  by  rebels,  not  because  the  rebels  were  oppressed  (for 
they  controlled  it),  but  because  the  rebels  wanted  to  establish 
a  slave  empire  !  And  strange  enough,  while  imagining  them 
selves  Democrats,  they  gave  to  such  rebels  against  so  good  a 
government  their  sympathy. 

In  this  we  see  the  design  of  God  to  keep  up  rebel  hopes,  by 
sustaining  a  large  minority  to  snarl  at  the  best  government  on 
earth ;  rejoice  at  its  misfortunes,  and  glory  in  the  success  of 
the  rebels.  Such  insanity  of  will  could  not  have  afflicted 
some  two  hundred  thousand  voters  in  Ohio,  after  more  than 
twenty-five  years  of  good  common  schools  therein,  if  heaven 
had  not  clouded  their  minds  with  prejudices.  President  Lin 
coln  also  was  made  blind  for  a  long  time  to  the  defective  gen 
eralship  of  McClellan,  apparently  for  the  same  purpose.  He 
said  all  his  Cabinet  abandoned  McClellan  before  he  abandoned 
him ;  but  after  Antietam  he  could  retain  him  no  longer. 
Had  any  one  of  the  Ohio  generals,  Grant,  Sherman,  Sheridan, 
Eosecrans,  Gilmore,  or  McPherson  commanded  the  two  hun 
dred  and  eighty-five  thousand  men  on  the  Potomac  in  the  fall 

*  First  published  in  October,  1866. 


222  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENET. 

of  1861,  the  rebellion  would  probably  have  been  ended  so 
quick  that  no  negroes  would  have  been  enlisted,  nor  an  eman 
cipation  of  them  proclaimed.  McClellan  was  Lincoln's  mar 
plot,  but  efficient  laborer  in  carrying  out  the  designs  of  Provi 
dence.  God  inflicts  punishments,  and  makes  the  wrath  of 
man  to  serve  him.  This  nation  may  have  deserved  punish 
ment  for  tolerating  Slavery,  as  much  as  Pharoah  and  the 
Egyptians  did,  and  the  punishment  may  not  yet  be  completed. 
The  head  of  President  Johnson  has  taken  a  queer  turn, 
though  not  very  surprising.  The  nation  may  be  further  pun 
ished  ;  but  Slavery  will  be  extinguished  in  fact  as  in  name. 
Revolutions  never  move  backward,  but  crush  whatever  at 
tempts  to  hinder  their  progress.  The  imaginary  Democrat 
will  therefore  have  to  remain  inconsolable  for  the  loss  of  his 
favorite  institution  of  Slavery,  for  God  decrees  its  fall. 

Thomas  Jefferson,  James  Madison,  Judge  Tucker  and  oth 
ers,  were  ashamed  of  the  institution,  and  sought  to  leave  evi 
dence  of  their  condemnation  of  it,  little  thinking  that  its  evil 
communications  would,  in  time,  corrupt  the  principles  of  the 
party  of  which  Jefferson  was  the  head,  and  who,  referring  to 
it,  wrote  that  he  "  trembled  for  his  country  when  he  reflected 
that  God  was  just  and  that  His  justice  would  not  slumber 
forever,  and  that  in  a  contest  with  Slavery  God  had  not  a 
single  attribute  that  could  make  Him  take  part  with  the 
masters." 


POEMS. 


y       ?3& 


' 

P? 


Gfr©  f    M.©EWOM,E§®* 


^p"  /T  Ealpin.  mm  <j  fsmair  by-JL .  ij- 


THE  NAPOLEAD 

IN  TWELVE  BOOKS. 


PEEFACE. 

THE  epic  story  of  the  following  poem  begins  with  Napo 
leon's  Eussian  campaign,  and  terminates  with  his  departure 
for  Elba.  Its  events,  though  recent,  are  of  such  magnitude 
and  importance,  that  they  affect  the  imagination,  perhaps,  as 
much  as  adventures  which  relate  to  more  distant  and  fabu 
lous  times. 

So  many  persons  and  things  enter  into  the  action,  that 
there  is  little  room  by  frequent  recurrence  to  the  same  per 
son  to  delineate  individual  character.  Great  masses  being 
oftener  in  view,  than  individuals,  few  persons  interest  more 
than  others,  as  in  the  works  of  Camoens  and  Virgil.  Still, 
the  boldness  of  Murat,  the  perseverance  and  courage  of  Ney, 
the  magnanimity  and  ardor  of  Benningsen  and  Poniatowski, 
the  obstinate  valor  of  Blucher,  and  the  peculiar  traits  of  some 
others  may  be  noticed. 

To  preserve  the  epic  action  entire,  and  state  the  material 
occurrences,  it  was  necessary  to  describe  many  battles  ;  some 
of  these  are  described  generally,  others  particularly,  accord 
ing  to  their  importance,  and  the  information  obtained  of  the 
movements  of  the  combatants. 

From  the  nature  of  the  story,  Napoleon  is  the  centre  and 
object  of  all  operations.  The  war  is  commenced  to  advance 
his  power,  and  is  only  terminated  by  his  dethronement.  The 
motions  of  the  machinery  (always  preceding  the  action)  tend 
to  this  catastrophe,  and  uniformly,  what  agitates  the  heavenly 
councils,  bears  affirmatively  on  his  destiny,  and  only  nega 
tively  influences  the  fate  of  others. 

The  Deity,  Angels,  Providence,  Passions,  Principles,  Yir- 
15 


226  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

tues  and  Vices,  mostly  constitute  the  machinery,  wherein  th.e 
first  is  represented  as  directing  all  events  through  the  others, 
his  subordinate  agents.  This  machinery  is  well  adapted  to  late 
events.  The  allegorical  personages  may  be  tolerated  by  the 
reason,  which  would  reject,  in  events  so  recent,  the  open  inter 
ference  of  theological  beings.  These  are  never  made  visible 
to  man ;  but  communicate  with  him  intellectually  and  through 
the  immortal  part  of  his  nature ;  thus  their  dignity  is  preserved 
and  the  probability  of  their  actions  maintained.  If  a  part  of 
this  plan  be  thought  too  metaphysical,  it  may  not  disgust  rea 
son  ;  the  date  of  the  action  made  it  necessary ;  without  it 
fancy  could  not  be  gratified,  but  at  the  expense  of  judgment, 
and  that  harmony  would  be  broken  whence  spring  the  pleas 
ures  of  taste.  The  incorruptible  objects  of  religious  adoration 
should  not  be  represented  as  holding  intercourse  with  coporeal 
man,  except  through  the  medium  of  the  principles  and  pas 
sions,  which  have  a  mental  existence,  and  are  known  to  influ 
ence  his  thoughts  and  actions. 

The  Deity,  from  the  greatness  of  his  character,  is  seldom 
introduced.  In  the  First  Book,  in  answer  to  Philanthropy, 
he  develops  his  views  with  respect  to  man.  In  the  Sixth,  by 
directing  Wisdom  not  to  assist  the  counsels  of  the  passions, 
he  lays  the  foundation  of  Napoleon's  disasters ;  and  in  the 
Twelfth  he  is  exhibited  to  show  his  regard  for  fortitude,  and 
the  man  who  is  superior  to  fortune,  that  the  moral  grandeur 
of  the  hero  may  appear  more  conspicuous,  and  in  his  moral 
be  seen  a  prospective  physical  triumph. 

The  events  are  narrated  in  the  order  they  occurred  ;  there 
is,  nevertheless,  an  anachronism  in  the  date  of  the  dismission 
of  the  legislative  body. 

In  the  Temple  of  Fame  is  held  the  court  of  Providence ; 
because  it  is  a  classic  edifice,  and  renown,  it  may  be  supposed, 
was  a  main  object  of  the  exploits  which  the  poem  celebrates. 
For  this  reason  the  Temple  is  represented  as  impaired  by  the 
conflict  of  the  allegorical  deities  in  the  Sixth  Book.  The 
debate  and  combat  of  the  gods  there  mentioned  are  intended 
to  show,  that  the  passions,  uninfluenced  by  wisdom,  retained 
Napoleon  in  Moscow  too  long,  whereby  his  power  was  dimin- 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  227 

ished.     The  same  principle  governs  the  movements  of  the 
machinery  with  respect  to  other  events. 


Seventeen  years  have  elapsed  since  the  poem  and  the  above 
preface  were  written ;  during  which  period  the  Author  has 
been  laboring  in  a  profession  unfriendly  to  the  Muses,  and 
the  greater  part  of  the  time  the  publication  of  the  work  was 
not  contemplated  ;  it  has,  therefore,  not  ripened  in  proportion 
to  its  age.  But  such  attention  has  been  paid  to  its  sentiments 
and  language,  that  it  will  not,  it  is  hoped,  corrupt  the  style  or 
morals  of  the  reader.  If  Deceit,  War  and  Intrigue,  are  intro 
duced,  acting  according  to  their  nature,  they  are  not  com 
mended,  but  rebuked.  Who  goes  far  in  a  straight  line,  must 
cross  precipices  and  rivers,  as  well  as  plains,  so,  who  treats  of 
things  as  they  are,  must  describe  vices  as  well  as  virtues. 

In  1823,  a  well  written  poem  in -ten  cantos,  in  French,  was 
published,  of  which  Napoleon  is  the  hero.  In  this  work  the 
principal  acts  of  his  political  and  military  life  are  mentioned 
and  justified.  The  Author  in  his  preface  advances  the  opin 
ion,  which  is  perhaps  entertained  by  others,  that  it  is  difficult 
if  not  impossible  to  find  the  subject  of  a  good  epic  poem  in 
the  life  of  Napoleon  ;  because,  whatever  epoch  might  be  se 
lected  for  the  principal  action,  after  describing  the  triumphs 
of  the  hero,  the  reader's  eye  would  penetrate  beyond  the  pic 
ture  ;  see  him  unhappy,  and  banished  to  the  island  of  St. 
Helena,  which  he  says,  "  detruirait  ^illusion,  et  par  conse 
quent,  la  vie  et  Vame  dupoeme" 

One  prepossession  may  be  removed  by  another.  He  who 
admits  that  the  Iliad  is  the  most  perfect  of  poems,  will  not  ad 
mit  that  the  knowledge,  which  the  Author  unnecessarily  gives 
the  reader  of  the  future  misfortunes  of  Achilles,  destroys  its  life 
and  soul.  Homer  attempts  no  illusion  respecting  the  fall  of 
his  hero  on  the  Trojan  plain.  He  sings  with  candor  the  wrath 
of  Achilles,  and  the  will  of  Jove.  He  sometimes  makes  known 
the  catastrophe  at  the  beginning  of  the  action  ;  as,  when  Pa- 
troclus  goes  to  the  field  in  Achilles'  arms,  it  is  explained,  that 


228          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIK. 

he  will  not  return  in  safety.  The  future  calamities  of  his 
heroes,  like  Milton's,  are  obtruded  on  the  eye  of  the  deader. 

Successful  campaigns  abound  in  the  life  of  Napoleon ;  but 
his  conduct  in  adversity  recommended  him  to  me,  as  the  hero 
of  a  poem.  It  was  supposed  that  eighteen  hundred  years 
after  the  propagation  of  Christianity,  and  two  hundred  after 
the  publication  of  the  works  of  Lord  Bacon,  such  as  deemed 
it  important  would  perceive  more  glory  in  a  moral  triumph 
than  in  one  of  mere  force,  which  could  be  achieved  by  a  brute 
as  well  as  a  man — by  a  Tamerlane  as  well  as  a  Washington. 
A  period,  therefore,  was  selected  for  the  action,  in  which  the 
Emperor,  though  almost  uniformly  victorious  in  the  field,  was 
at  last  compelled  to  abdicate  the  throne  by  the  force  of  events, 
and  his  own  magnanimous  regard  for  the  happiness  of  his 
country. 

He  has  been  reproached  for  not  committing  suicide  when 
he  ceased  to  rule  France.  Was  this  done  by  persons  capable 
of  comprehending  the  true  heroic  character  ?  Homer,  or 
rather  Pope,  says : 

"  The  great  will  glory  to  submit  to  Jove." 

The  general  and  better  opinion  is,  that  suicide  is  a  cow 
ardly  retreat  from  the  blows  of  fortune.  Some  Stoics,  how 
ever,  took  the  notion  that  the  act,  which  admitted  they  were 
vanquished,  was  evidence  of  their  victory  ;  and  probably  their 
error  has  been  the  source  of  the  false  ideas  entertained  by 
some,  who  doubtless  had  thought  a  child  foolish  to  beat  the 
floor  with  his  head  for  the  loss  of  a  toy.* 

*  The  following  ode  (written  while  the  Emperor  was  at  Elba),  expresses 
among  other  things,  what  I  would  farther  hint,  on  the  advantages  of  that    I 
elevation  of  mind  in  which  true  heroism  consists  : 

How  weak  the  props  of  human  trust ! 
All  earthly  things  go  down  to  dust : 
The  chief  who  order'd  many  a  throne, 
Who  view'd  great  nations  as  his  own, 
The  friend  of  merit  and  her  train, 
Or  seen  in  princes  or  the  swain, 
Is  reft  of  lofty  sway  how  soon  ! 
What  darkness  clouds  his  blazing  noon  ! 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  229 

Poetry  is  sometimes  judged  by  rules,  or  opinions,  which 
very  little  concern  the  general  reader,  as  they  affect  the  head, 
not  the  heart,  while  what  constitutes  the  excellence  of  the 
poem — its  spirit,  style,  sentiments  and  conduct — is  not  duly 
considered.  Hence  the  Cid  was  condemned  by  the  French, 
and  the  Jerusalem  Delivered  by  the  Florentine  Academy, 
though  time  has  proved  these  works  to  be  the  best  in  their 
respective  languages.  Among  these  opinions  is  that  concern 
ing  the  successful  termination  of  the  action,  which  Milton  has 
disregarded — and  that  entertained  against  poems  on  subjects 
of  recent  date  ;  as  to  the  latter  I  would  observe,  that  genuine 
poetry  cannot  be  affected  by  dates  more  than  genuine  beauty 
can  be  affected  by  ornaments.  Gold  is  not  the  less  gold  for 
its  modern  stamp.  If  one  prefers  a  guinea  of  ancient  date,  it 
is  from  a  regard  for  antiquity,  not  the  gold  :  neither  the  metal 
of  the  coin,  nor  the  spirit  of  the  poetry  is  changed  by  the 
time  to  which  it  refers.  The  opinion  arises  from  mistaking 

Though  his  great  mind  and  matchless  power, 
That  aw'd  the  world,  now  awe  no  more, 
False  friends  forsake,  and  lowering  night 
Succeed  fair  victory's  dazzling  light, 
His  fame  shall  still  refulgent  rise  ; 
Misfortune  lifts  him  to  the  skies  ! 

In  moral  strength  he  soars  elate, 
And  triumphs  o'er  the  storms  of  fate  : 
With  firmness  fortune's  anger  braves  ; 
The  mind  (his  better  kingdom,)  saves  ; 
Nor  needs  the  aid  of  suicide, 
The  fools  relief  for  wounded  pride. 

Gay  fancy  oft  shall  haunt  his  isle 
To  see  him  o'er  earth's  baubles  smile  : 
And  thither  admiration  stray 
To  view  the  evening  of  his  day  ; 
To  see  the  great  by  doom  severe, 
Upon  misfortune's  bosom  drear 
In  converse  with  the  glorious  past. 
He  knows  his  fame  with  earth  will  last ; 
That  kings  perceive  he  fills  the  world, 
A  throne  whence  one  cannot  be  hurled, 
And  feels  that  he  all  eyes  confines, 
And,  though  in  ruins,  realms  outshines. 


230  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GEND*. 

a  circumstance  for  the  person,  antiquity  for  poetry  ;  though 
the  latter  can  only  derive  from  the  former  an  adventitious  aid 
in  occasionally  escaping  from  a  dull  to  a  venerable  air.  If 
the  notoriety  of  modern  facts  prevent  fabulous  statements,  no 
harm  can  result :  poetry,  like  prose,  gains  lustre  from  truth  ; 
and  superhuman  movements,  whether  the  date  of  the  action 
be  recent  or  remote,  should  be  confined  to  the  ideal  beings, 

7  o    * 

who  may  at  pleasure  be  given  a  pygmean  or  gigantic  stature. 
ST.  CLAIKSVILLE,  OCTOBER  IT,  1833. 


NAPOLEAD. 

BOOK   I. 

ANALYSIS. 

The  angel  of  Death  delegates  his  ministers  to  confirm  Napoleon's  deter 
mination  to  invade  Russia.  Philanthropy  grieved  at  the  prospect  of  war, 
implores  the  Deity  to  prevent  it,  who  refuses  her  request — while  Napoleon 
raises  armies  preparatory  to  hostilities — Policy  advises  him  how  to  proceed, 
and  solicits  Intrigue  to  aid  him,  She  mentions  the  extent  of  her  ability  to 
assist,  and  enters  on  her  work.  Then  Napoleon,  agreeable  to  the  advice  of 
Policy,  demands  of  Alexander  through  his  minister  the  adoption  of  the  Con 
tinental  System  in  terms  calculated  to  offend.  Napoleon,  angry  at  his  reply, 
accuses  him  of  provoking  hostilities.  Alexander  prepares  to  defend  himself. 
He  repairs  to  Wilna,  calls  a  council  wherein  De  Tolly  Benningsen,  and  Tol 
stoy  debate,  and  conclude  to  devastate  Lithuania  as  the  French  advance — 
Napoleon  after  an  interview  with  his  wife  and  child  proceeds  to  his  army. 

SING  heavenly  muse,  of  arms,  and  him  who  mov'd 
All  Europe,  warring  on  the  .Russian  realm, 
By  federate  kings  constrained ;  his  empire's  fall, 
His  passive  valor  midst  the  storms  of  fate, 
And  moral  grandeur : — Aid  ye  deathless  powers, 
And  give  to  immortality  the  song ! 

He,  the  great  victor  of  unnumber'd  fields, 
Had  long  gigantic  stalk'd  o'er  prostrate  thrones 
And  humbled  realms,  supreme  of  mortal  men  ; 
His  great  achievements  blooming  in  renown, 
Surpass'd  the  fam'd  exploits  of  heroes  old ; 
While,  like  a  comet  blazing  through  the  heavens, 
The  wonder,  and  the  dread  of  neighboring  orbs, 
He  soar'd  refulgent  o'er  the  astonish'd  world 
And  fill'd  the  breasts  of  mightiest  kings  with  awe ; 


232  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

When  he  resolv'd  to  shield  the  fruitful  south 
Against  th'  encroachments  of  the  threat'ning  north ; 
The  cause  of  much  disaster  and  lament : 
For  this  he  led  puissant  hosts  to  war, 
Beyond  the  sphere  that  fate  ordain'd  his  sway. 
God  mov'd  him  so,  to  check  his  proud  career. 
When  first  th'  ambition  seiz'd  his  restless  soul, 
Death's  angel  knew,  and  fearing  human  change, 
From  his  pale  nation  delegates  his  sprites, 
Instructed  to  infest  the  monarch's  dome, 
Where  nightly  he  reposed,  and  him  inspire 
With  greater  wrath  against  the  Russian  Prince : 
To  elevate  his  mind  with  flattering  dreams 
Of  his  brave  legions  deck'd  with  victory's  bays — 
Of  conquer'd  kingdoms  trembling  at  his  nod, 
And  ocean's  ruler  humbled  on  the  waves. 

The  ghostly  ministers  in  darkness  flew, 
Spreading  diseases  through  the  wilds  of  air ; 
While  hell  rejoic'd,  as  erst,  when  they  led  kings 
T'  avenge  the  Bourbon  doom  :  the  shades  of  men 
Of  ancient  days,  that  haunt  their  native  land, 
Fled  murmuring  from  their  course,  and  to  their  sons 
Moan'd  in  the  vagrant  wind,  and  sorrow  mov'd, 
That  thousands  wept,  nor  knew  why  flow'd  the  tears ; 
Thunders  low  roll'd  along  th'  unclouded  sky — 
Philanthropy  with  dove-like  voice  complain'd 
O'er  spacious  Europe,  and  on  holy  wings 
Of  love  and  virtue  borne,  to  heaven  ascends ; 
A  pensive  wanderer  through  the  field  of  stars — 
And  flies  majestic  past  th'  ambrosial  groves, 
Angelic  seats,  where  evil  never  comes, 
And  jasper  mansions,  while  her  robes  of -light, 
Eefulgent  flowing  on  the  balmy  gales, 
The  pavement  clear  reflected  with  new  charms ; 
And  soon  before  the  Lord  of  nature  stands, 
Yeil'd  by  his  radiance  from  celestial  eyes, 
And  generous  thus  his  sovereign  aid  implores  : 

Great  sire  of  worlds,  I  mount  the  blest  abodes, 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  233 

Afflicted  so,  that  e'en  no  time  I  spare 

To  wander  through  my  native  heavenly  groves 

And  view  the  grateful  haunts  of  happier  years. 

For  Europe's  race  I  mourn ;  Ambition  late 

In  fame's  bright  dome  propos'd  to  lift  Gaul's  king 

To  peerless  eminence,  though  Europe  wail'd 

Besmear'd  with  gore,  and  death  and  ruin  march'd 

O'er  all  her  lands ;  then  him  inspired  to  war 

On  Russia's  empire.     While  he  doubtful  stands, 

What  course  to  take,  lo !  Earth's  grim  tyrant  sends 

His  ministry,  commission'd  to  invest 

His  palace,  and  induce  conclusion  bad. 

I  saw  and  wept ;  nor  can  I  more  than  seek 

Thy  high  tribunal,  and  invoke  thy  aid 

To  stop  that  odious  embassy,  and  save 

Long  suffering  nations  from  contention's  flames — 

Which,  gracious  sire,  permit  me  to  implore, 

If  yet  in  thy  pure  eyes  I  lovely  seem — 

If  yet  Earth's  fairest  realms  deserve  thy  care ; 

If  yet  thou  lov'st  the  land  where  science  dwells, 

And  countless  temples  to  thy  glory  rise. 

0  still  regard  thy  undeserving  world ; 
Nor  by  neglecting  man,  let  carnage  blot 

Her  brightest  sphere.     O  let  the  Earth  have  peace, 
Wisdom  prevail,  and  men  learn  war  no  more. 

To  whom  th'  Almighty  sovereign  thus  replies : 
Offspring  belov'd,  perverse  are  human  kind — 
They  madly  rush  on  wo,  then  heaven  arraign. 
Created  free,  they  still  are  passion's  slaves, 
And  from  the  light  of  reason  devious  stray. 
Yet  on  Columbia,  freedom's  proud  abode ! 

1  look,  delighted :  Reason  there  high  thron'd 
Rejects  the  monsters  Europe's  darkness  bred, 
That  have  my  laws  infring'd,  and  robb'd  mankind 
Of  sacred  rights :  Like  her  France  will'd  to  be ; 
Assuming  human  dignity,  she  drove 

Her  tyrants  from  her  lands,  when  round  the  kings 
Conspir'd  with  impious  aim ;  then  one  I  chose 


234:  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

To  guide  her  arms  to  victory,  and  chastise 
Them  sore,  but  not  destroy  ;  he  now  must  fall, 
And  vicious  France  endure  great  misery: 
Fate's  ministry  shall  unimpeded  march, 
And  all  that  I  have  preordain'd  transpire. 

Beseech  me  not  to  end  the  reign  of  war ; 
Man  works  his  doom ;  by  knowledge  dearly  bought ; 
Bought  by  long  ages  of  destructive  strife, 
He  will  consent  to  change  his  deadly  arms 
For  implements  of  husbandry :  that  time 
Is  yet  remote — past  many  evil  days. 
Then  shall  all  nations  in  loud  chorus  join 
To  celebrate  our  name,  and  hell  will  mourn 
Its  empire  lost  among  the  sons  of  men. 

He  spoke ;  with  reverent  sign  the  fair  retir' 
From  'midst  the  great  effulgence ;  sighing  soft, 
With  head  erect,  she  spreads  her  wings  of  light 
And  rapid  flies  along  th'  immortal  plains, 
Then  through  day's  rosy  gates ;  'twixt  heaven  and  earth 
She  moves  sublime,  till  circumfus'd  in  clouds, 
Slow  on  the  breeze  o'er  Fontainbleau  she  pass'd, 
There  view'd  a  Synod  of  the  Furies  dark, 
All  ghastly  smiling  at  portended  war : 
Griev'd  by  the  scene  her  tender  bosom  heav'd ; 
The  lucid  tears  roll'd  from  her  lovely  eyes  ; 
The  clouds  seem'd  sorrowing  with  the  fair  they  bore, 
Dissolving  round  in  gently  falling  showers, 
While  she  exclaims  : — "  Ah  blind  and  hapless  man  ! 
Thy  want  of  virtue,  heaven  will  e'er  avenge 
With  blood-stain'd  fields  and  their  attendant  woes." 

Mars,  hideous  monster,  heard  and  angry  grasp'd 
His  arms,  thus  speaking,  loud  as  thundering  storms : 

Frail  slanderer,  avaunt !     Is  not  my  field 
Bright  Honor's  richest  mine  ?     Fortune's  great  test  ? 
And  Fame's  most  brilliant  road  ?     Why  then  a  curse  ? 
A  punishment  by  heav'n  of  man  deprav'd  ? 
'Tis  what  man  seeks,  and  will  he  seek  distress  ? 

Thus  he  declaim'd,  fluttering  on  cloudy  wings ; 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  235 

more  the  fair  one  heard ;  with  lightening  speed 
Shrieking  she  fled  his  terrible  approach. 

While  at  his  dome  arriv'd,  the  deathful  crew 
Surround  Napoleon,  and  in  him  inspire 
Visions  of  glory,  and  victorious  war ; 
Of  millions  bowing  at  his  potent  nod ; 
Of  ocean's  sovereign  struggling  in  despair 
Against  his  greater  power ;  of  Russia's  ire 
And  stern  defiance  of  his  arms ;  of  kings 
And  principalities  subjected  by  her  fall ; 
And  Europe's  crown  by  him  in  triumph  worn ; 
As  one  bespeaks  him  thus : — Illustrious  chief! 
Behold  thy  favoring  Star  in  happiest  blaze  ! 
Lo !  Fortune  smiling  beckons  thee  to  arms  ! 
How  long  wilt  thou  in  ease  inglorious  bide 
Possessing  power  to  grasp  these  prizes  great  ? 
How  long  wilt  thou  see  Russia  disobey 
And  let  thy  thunder  sleep  ?    E'en  now  she  aids 
The  queen  of  ocean — views  with  hostile  scorn 
Thy  menaces  severe,  and  dares  thy  power. 
Prowess  withheld  grants  impotence  to  boast ; 
Vice,  timely  banish'd,  gives  to  virtue  birth ; 
But  when  too  late  assail'd,  it  greater  swells 
With  soul  vindictive,  and  above  control ; 
His  bad  example  to  the  neighb'ring  realms, 
Unless  soon  punish'd  will  thy  plans  confound, 
And  wide  rebellion  thy  proud  hopes  destroy. 
Learn  then  th'  importance  of  immediate  war — 
Russia  subdu'd,  broad  Europe's  crown  is  thine, 
Thy  revolutionary  throne  confirm'd. 
E'en  farthest  Asia  may  confess  thy  sway, 
Thy  troops  hold  every  land,  thy  ships  rule  every  sea ! 

He  heard,  and  with  desire  of  conquest  burn'd ; 
Rag'd  his  great  mind,  soaring  on  fancy's  wings 
Sublime,  above  all  height  of  mortal  power ! 
He  deem'd  him  marching  over  subject  worlds, 
Thrones  and  dominions  trembling  as  he  strode 
And  reverencing  his  dignity  ;  but  day,  ^ 


236  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

In  rosy  vestments  showering  gold  advanced, 
Dispelling  sleep  and  fancy's  glorious  scenes  ; 
Then  disappointment's  algor  palls  the  sonl — 
In  his  fierce  eyes  the  burning  passions  play ; 
And  am  I  thus,  he  cries,  who  late  supreme 
Of  mortals  towered  ?    Alas  !  what  toil  remains 
Ere  Europe  shall  be  mine,  and  all  Earth's  kings 
Rule  by  just  laws !  Ere  then  what  plains  shall  reek 
"With  heroes'  gore  !     What  hosts  untimely  fall ! 
E'en  Jena,  Austerlitz  and  Freidland's  fields 
May  be  surpass'd  in  slaughter  and  renown. 

Thus  he,  and  of  Rhine's  federate  States,  Denmark, 
Austria  and  Prussia,  Italy  and  France, 
Demands  four  hundred  thousand  warriors  arm'd 
To  cross  the  Memen.     At  his  high  behest 
Obedient  mov'd  the  nations  call'd  to  war  : 
On  Poland's  plains  collecting  their  dun  lines, 
Tipt  with  tri-color'd  plumes  and  bayonets,  seemed, 
Like  a  wide  ocean  mov'd  by  boisterous  winds, 
Wave  following  wave,  white-edg'd  o'er  the  dark  deep  ; 
While  boding  Russia  circumveil'd  her  realm, 
With  banded  warriors,  and  with  equal  pride, 
Return'd  th'  imposing  frown  of  Gallic  war. 

Fair  Policy,  the  various  color'd  dame, 
Meantime  descending  from  her  mystic  throne, 
Whence  she  surveys  the  state  and  deeds  of  men, 
Addresses  thus  Gaul's  high  designing  king. 
To  point  thy  course  I  leave  my  chambers  bright, 
Whence  late  I  saw  thee,  heedless  of  my  rule, 
Alarm  the  Russian  king ;  when  in  red  car 
By  steeds  of  lightning  drawn,  to  him  I  flew, 
Advising  thus : — "  'Tis  prudent  to  provide 
For  evil  days,  thou  see'st  those  days  are  near — 
Increase  thy  martial  stores,  and  call  to  arms 
Thy  country's  bravest  myriads ;  let  them  guard 
Her  wide  frontier,  and  wait  portended  war." 
He  took  my  lore :  '  Tis  now  your  part  to  lull 
His  apprehensions  with  the  voice  of  peace 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  237" 

So  negligence  may  wave  her  palsying  wand, 
And  hold  her  slack  dominion  o'er  his  arms 
That  in  the  first  thou  giv'st  decisive  blow ; 
For  hard  will  be  the  task  to  force  such  hosts, 
If  vigilant  and  brave ;  then  well  excuse 
Your  hostile  movements.     But  the  task  remains 
To  justify  thy  ways  to  men,  and  shroud 
"With  well-wov'n  cloak  of  justice  thy  designs ; 
Lest  all  believe  thou  striv'st  from  lust  of  sway, 
And  thy  allies  with  dread  thy  power  behold  ; 
"Whence  may  much  ill  result — they  then  will  cry  : 
"  Napoleon  deems  unjust  who  have  to  lose  ! 
Because  we  have,  he  next  may  us  assail ! 
"Why  should  we  aid  him  to  devour  ourselves  ? 
Time  wisdom  gives  ;  but  fools  are  wise  too  late." 

If  facts  are  scarce,  diplomacy  will  aid  : 
Now  in  thy  capital  Kowrakin  bides  ; 
Through  him  make  some  demand  his  king  will  scorn, 
As  quick  t '  observe  thy  Albion-blighting  law  ; 
Pretence  thou  thus  shalt  gain  t '  unsheath  the  sword. 
Before  thou  enterest  on  this  great  campaign, 
Form  strict  alliance  with  the  neighboring  realms, 
And  seek  th'  assistance  of  profound  Intrigue, 
By  whose  sole  arm  great  monarchies  have  fallen  ; 
Her  piercing  eyes  will  Kussia's  realm  explore, 
And  round  its  sovereign  wake  rebellion's  flames. 

She  ended — thus  th'  aspiring  chief  replied  : 
Lov'd  counsellor,  omit  not  to  suggest 
New  means,  conducive  to  my  weal,  my  aims 
Are  wondrous — wondrous  therefore  be  thy  arts  ; 
Exertions  bold  produce  superior  things  ; 
What  can  we  not  effect  with  all  our  power  ? 
Thy  presence  glads  me  like  the  rosy  morn — 
Thy  voice  delights  like  music  of  the  grove — 
Be  ever  present,  courting  fortune's  gales 
To  waft  me  peerless  down  the  stream  of  time ; 
Thy  various  light  will  cast  on  future  years 
One  pure  effulgence  ;  all  thy  hues  unite 


238  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

As  Sol's,  and  shine  like  his,  if  we  succeed  : 
Let  then  the  occasion  and  thy  toil  accord. 
Thy  early  precepts,  ripen'd  in  my  breast, 
Have  crown'd  my  hopes  in  cabinet  and  field  : 
Opinion,  queen  of  earth,  and  numbers  vast 
1  follow,  arm'd  with  all  their  giant  power. 
What  now  thou  oiferest  statesmen  oft  have  tried 
With  undeserved  success  ;  but  seek  her  aid, 
And  bid  her  see  me  ere  the  golden  dawn. 

The  monarch  spoke,  her  witty  eyes  she  rolls, 
With  reverence  bows,  and  nimbly  mounts  her  car  ; 
With  glowing  countenance  waves  a  signal  bright, 
When  vivid  lightnings  fitful  quiver  round 
And  thunders  hoarsely  growl ;  the  burning  wheels 
Spontaneous  roll ;  a  blaze  before  her  flies  ; 
Behind  the  angry  circling  streams  expire — 
In  awful  grandeur  o'er  heaven's  rolling  hills  she  rides  ; 
Soon  o'er  the  chambers  of  the  boisterous  winds 
Ascends,  and  enters  fast  the  azure  halls, 
(Near  fairy  land,  involv'd  in  shining  bloom, 
Whose  tenants  wondering,  view'd  her  flaming  march, 
And  ran,  disorder'd,  through  th'  enchanting  bowers.) 
There,  on  an  emerald  throne,  Intrigue  she  'spies, 
Her  Syrens  round  creating  tender  strains  ; 
When  quickly  through  the  hall  unnumber'd  sounds 
Symphonious,  rose  ;  the  voices  of  thin  shades 
Lightly  disporting  on  the  lazy  air. 
After  short  space,  the  queen  bids  silence  and  exclaims  : 
Draw  near,  fair  sister,  and  thy  embassy  reveal ; 
But  come  not  with  those  red,  unbridled  steeds  ! 

When  thus  the  dame :  Gaul's  mighty  king  intends 
To  conquer  Russia,  and  admits  thy  aid. 
I  bade  him  quick  thy  subtle  arms  employ, 
By  whose  sole  power  great  monarchies  have  fall'n  ; 
Thou  know'st  to  him  our  choicest  skill  belongs  ; 
Through  him  we  have  the  fame  of  great  events 
Which  nothing  but  his  power  could  have  controll'd  ; 
We  wear  the  laurels  oft  his  valor  wins  ; 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  239 

Withhold  not  then  thy  aid  ;  to  him  repair 
Before  yon  moon  resigns  her  borrowed  day,     ' 
Or  rosy  beaming  morning  dances  on, 
And  all  thou  know'st  of  Kussia's  clime,  reveal ; 
The  while  myself  will  fill  thy  crystal  throne, 
And  hear  the  music  of  thy  tuneful  Hall ; 
Th'  electric  steeds  shall  slumber  in  my  car, 
Or,  inoffensive,  sport  in  azure  plains. 

Stay  if  thou  wilt,  the  sister  queen  replies  ; 
But  this  thou  'It  deem  the  organ  of  the  heavens, 
Or  where  the  winds  hold  festival,  and  tell 
Of  all  their  boisterous  frolics  round  the  world  : 
Of  inundating  lands  with  ocean's  waves  ; 
Of  burying  navies  and  o'erturning  towers. 
Not  far  below  the  stormy  brethren  dwell, 
In  hail  of  fairy-land,  whose  silver  trains 
Their  lucid  mantles  tore,  and  ran  confus'd 
Along  their  dusky  bowers  at  thy  approach 
With  vivid  lightnings  darting  round  thy  wheels  : 
Superior  splendor  shocks  these  darkling  tribes  : 
They  erst  were  low-soul'd  mortals,  scarcely  touch'd 
With  fire  ethereal,  more  than  brutal  forms : 
Hell  spurn'd  the  mites,  heav'n  left  them  to  their  mood  ; 
They  have  no  power  except  the  power  to  hate  ; 
Too  small  e'en  for  damnation,  save  their  own  ! 
Like  fangless  vipers  strike  but  cannot  wound ; 
Their  efforts  prove  their  venom,  not  their  strength ; 
To  sooth  their  enmity  they  now  propound 
To  conjure  up  the  winds  to  spread  thy  fires, 
And  whelm  thyself  and  car  in  ruinous  flames. 

Thus  she,  the  many-color'd  guest  rejoins  : 
If  such  their  means,  their  hatred  I  '11  withstand  ; 
My  fires  diminish  as  the  winds  increase  ; 
Then  all  their  fury  shall  subside  in  shame. 
She  ended,  and  Intrigue  forsook  her  throne — 
Bewitching  Nymphs  and  Syrens  round  her  throng'd  ; 
Then  spreads  her  pinions  on  the  southern  gale, 
And  streams,  a  meteor,  through  the  starry  field. 


240  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Alighting  soon  in  Russia,  she  assumes 
Unnumber'd  shapes  ;  the  master-passions  learns, 
Seeks  every  entrance  to  th'  unguarded  heart, 
And  tempts  to  treason  by  persuasive  gold, 
Or  grateful  promises  of  future  pomp. 
Then,  swift,  from  realm  to  realm  round  Europe  flies, 
Discerning  means  to  waken  discord's  flames 
In  regal  palaces,  and  wield  their  stores 
Against  their  lords  to  aid  the  king  of  kings. 
Soon  to  St.  Cloud  with  confidence  repairs  ; 
Grac'd  with  Minerva's  soul-enlivening  robes, 
Demure,  she  thus  address'd  the  chief  of  France : 

Sire,  the  wide  world  presents  a  comely  field 
Wherein  to  wander,  and  thy  will  perform. 
And  since  with  kings  my  fellowship  began, 
Than  thou  I  have  no  greater  patron  found  : 
By  thy  sole  influence,  over  half  the  world 
I  stretch  my  sceptre  ;  make  its  sovereigns  own 
Thy  supereminence,  or  fear  thy  arms  ; 
Make  realms  engage  (assisted  by  Deceit, 
The  friend  and  kind  companion  of  my  toils), 
In  thy  behalf,  allur'd  by  Freedom's  charms  : 
For  those  were  ill  informed  who  have  declared 
"  She  with  thee  walks  precarious — her  sweet  flowers 
Oft  withering  in  the  cold  blast  of  thy  power  ;" 
Ah,  no — thy  laws  sustain  her  fragile  vine 
Amidst  the  frowns  of  her  inclement  foes. 
Make  victory  grace  thy  banners,  when  plain  force 
Could  nought  avail,  and  give  thee  to  renown. 
Say  in  whose  cause  such  triumphs  have  I  won  ? 
Or  in  whose  breast  with  like  success  have  rul'd  ? 
No  ancient  hero  had  thy  skill ;  not  him 
Of  Macedon  who  valiant  Greece  subdued ; 
Nor  conquering  Csesar,  nor  e'en  Gallic  Charles. 

Deep  schemes  on  thy  behalf  I  pondering  sate, 
When  Policy,  involv'd  in  streams  of  light, 
Enter'd  my  Hall,  revealing  thy  commands  ; 
Thence  swift  round  Eussia  with  my  trains  I  sped, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  241 

Discerning  who  were  pervious  to  my  shafts  ; 
Whose  hearts  were  treacherous,  or  unbrac'd  against 
The  charms  of  gold  ;  but  few  of  these  I  saw  ; 
Yet  one  there  is  of  high  repute  and  power, 
Near  Russia's  king  deserving  our  regard  : 
If  he  ungrateful  prove  to  lord  so  kind ; 
Though  cruel  our  commands,  he  will  perform  ; 
For  thou,  Ingratitude,  monster  of  fiends  ! 
Art  high  enthron'd  on  crime — cold  matricide, 
!Nb  pity  has  thy  breast,  nor  virtue  there 
Can  harbor  ;  seat  of  vice,  and  hateful  lust, 
That  waits  but  fortune's  beck  to  ruin  realms. 
Curs'd  with  a  heart  so  foul  he  would  not  loth 
To  bear  his  king  to  thee  in  chains,  and  view 
With  hostile  scorn  his  benefactor's  tears, 
And  royal  mourning  ;  or  of  Russia's  strength, 
Intentions,  numbers,  and  resources  tell. 

But  thou,  my  friend — beware  what  may  thee  wait, 
Thy  throne,  though  high,  exists  on  dubious  base  ; 
Heaven  blasts  the  hopes  of  men  and  humbles  kings  ; 
Makes  flowery  scenes  the  gloomy  seat  of  wo, 
And  barren  lands  in  sweet  contentment  smile — 
Ambition  kills  when  in  resplendent  bloom, 
And  hurls  its  glories  to  an  early  grave. 
As  witness  many  a  chief  in  deathless  story  bright ! 
Like  theirs  thy  end  may  be  ;  thy  offspring  mourn 
Thy  dismal  doom,  or  throneless,  wretched  roam 
Through  this  tempestuous  world  that  smiles  in  pain. 
Thy  guards  may  be  corrupted,  all  thy  realm 
Yield  treason  foul ;  even  now  the  hideous  fiend 
May  lurk  around  thee,  waiting  thy  ill  days 
To  rise  in  all  his  horrors,  and  destroy 
Thy  boasted  eminence.     Fortune  deceives, 
In  ways  unseen  she  flits  before  our  eyes. 

My  vassals  wait  our  call  in  panoply 
And  through  impatience  ride  the  eddying  winds. 
Make  known  thy  will ;  their  movements  will  be  thine, 
And  reach  all  regions  of  the  peopled  world  ; 
16 


242  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

So  thou  may'st  wield  ubiquitary  sword. 

She  spoke,  and  thus  replied  th'  impatient  king  : 
Thy  speech  is  like  thyself,  exciting  hope 
To  pain  with  disappointment — why  should'st  thou 
"With  scarce  an  useful  thought,  declaim  so  long, 
And  take  my  time,  more  precious  than  thy  lore  ? 

One  easy  man,  it  seems,  thou  hast  beheld  ; 
Can  Russia's  realm  but  one  dissembler  hold  ? 
While  mine,  perchance,  enough  contains  to  shake 
My  proud  throne's  base  when  lowers  the  clay  of  life  ! 
Are  some  high-born  offended  of  their  king 
Whose  influence  and  resources  much  would  aid  ? 
If  such  there  be  them  promise  wealth  and  power  ; 
Round  Russia's  sovereign  wake  rebellion  bold. 
Go,  work  our  will,  while  fickle  fortune  smiles — 
For  thou  wilt  plot  our  ruin  when  she  frowns  ! 
We  scarcely  know,  why  we  with  vipers  play — 
We  want  success,  not  egotism  here  : 
No  vulgar  mind  ere  brought  a  folly  forth, 
But  straight  it  went  to  worshipping  its  spawn  : 
Though  small  the  service  that  thou  canst  perform, 
Didst  thou  not  deem  it  indispensable 
One  might  believe  thou  art  not  what  thou  art. 
Or  thou  or  not  assist,  our  sword  ere  long 
Shall  as  we  please  dispose  the  Russian  race  : 
Their  monarch  then  the  evil  time  will  mourn 
He  suffer'd  commerce  with  the  ocean  queen. 

Thus  he — Intrigue  departs,  her  train  divides, 
And  diverse  sends  them  through  the  kingdoms  round, 
Swelling  her  empire,  and  enticing  whom 
Most  sacred  ties  requir'd  to  spurn  her  lures  : 
As  thou,  Shouvaloff,  fated  to  endure 
The  wo  of  unsuccessful  treason  ;  torn 
Yet  by  fair  Mercy's  hand,  away  from  scenes 
Of  past  delight,  to  roam  Siberian  wilds, 
And  mourn  the  loss  of  honor,  wealth  and  fame. 
So  may  all  base  desert  with  wo  be  crown'd  ! 
The  stream  of  vice  will  disembogue  in  hell, 


THE  NAPOLEAP.  243 

And  that  of  virtue  in  celestial  bliss  : 

Heaven's  potent  arbiter  ordains  their  ends  ; 

He  indiscriminately  on  man  bestows  ; 

Prizing  so  low  the  circumstance  of  wealth 

He  gives  it  to  the  vilest  of  the  race — 

Thus  teaching  him  to  look  in  other  worlds 

For  merit's  meed.     Ah,  why  should  aught  on  earth 

Allure  poor  man  to  whet  oppression's  fangs, 

Destroy  his  brethren,  and  his  God  offend  ! 

Fair  Peace,  in  thee  delight  the  wise  and  good  ; 

Daughter  of  heaven,  that  man  to  reason  gave, 

That  thou  might'st  fill  his  road  of  life  with  joy  ; 

Yet  he  the  dupe  of  tyranny  becomes, 

Whose  bloody  fury  let  the  page  reveal, 

Where  toils  the  tragic  muse  to  picture  woes. 

O'er  the  sad  story  virtue  pours  her  tears 

And  blames  th'  ambition  that  afflicts  the  world. 

Ah,  much  neglected  Fair  !  thy  charms  might  move 

The  high  aspiring  hero  of  my  song  ; 

But  doorn'd  to  guard  what  revolution  gain'd, 

And  Freedom  shield  from  leagued  monarchal  powers, 

Nought  but  vast  kingdoms  added  to  his  reign 

He  deems  will  save  ;  the  Russian  king  must  fall, 

And  thou  awhile  from  half  the  world  be  driven. 

Pursuant  of  what  Policy  advis'd, 
He  forms  alliance  with  the  neighboring  kings, 
And  Alexander  through  Kourakin  thus  bespeaks  : 

Thou  know'st,  O  king,  my  main  desire  is  peace  ; 
Her  charms  most  tempt  me  to  forgive  the  past, 
And  slumber  in  disgrace  ;  to  let  just  claims 
In  dark  oblivion  dwell,  and  you  deride 
My  sovereignty  ;  but  deem  not,  stubborn  king, 
The  living  lion  unreveng'd  endures 
Indignities  so  odious.     My  commands 
Shall  be  respected,  and  my  country's  rights, 
More  sacred  than  her  blood,  be  unprofan'd. 
Think'st  thou  that  my  just  system  shall  expire 
By  thy  contumacy  ?    Presumption  wild  ? 


244  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENW. 

Esperance  false  !     Behold  the  vanquish'd  realms 
That  dar'd  oppose  my  will ;  view  Austerlitz, 
And  in  thy  former  see  thy  future  doom  ! 
We  yet  are  brave,  an  undegenerate  race  ; 
Dread  then  our  coining,  nor  irreverent  treat 
Our  high  decrees,  conceiv'd  in  justice  pure 
For  ocean's  scourge,  that  foe  of  man's  repose, 
Whose  impudence  has  oft  impugn'd  thy  throne  ; 
Yet  to  thy  glory  blind,  or  urg'd  by  fate, 
Thou  seek'st  discordance  with  politic  friends 
To  her  great  joy.     'Tis  thine  to  give  Earth  peace 
Or  waken  direst  war.     Adopt  my  plan 
Without  reserve,  and  thou  may'st  call  me  friend, 
And  honor'd  reign  among  Earth's  scepter'd  sons  ; 
But  this  refus'd,  prepare  to  shun  our  ire — 
Thy  throne  may  totter,  and  thy  kingdom  mourn. 

Thus  he  ;  the  Russian  king  indignant  heard 
The  stern  demand  reveal'd  ;  yet  rage  restrain'd, 
And  through  his  ministry  thus  mild  replied  : 

O  brother  sovereign,  since  our  interests  jar, 
Is  thine  the  right  to  dictate  what  shall  rule  ? 
My  country's  welfare  shall  my  actions  guide, 
Though  e'en  thyself  than  I  art  not  more  fond 
Of  blissful  peace  ;  for  which  I  fain  would  grant 
What  e'en  might  harm  my  dignity  and  realm. 
Than  I  none  else  will  sooner  heed  thy  claim  ; 
But  be  it  just ;  for  Eussia  's  not  so  frail, 
So  careless  of  her  honor  as  to  mind 
Unjust  demands — and  ere  she  be  so  mean 
Her  Alexander  seeks  a  glorious  grave, 
And  half  her  warriors  moulder  in  the  tomb. 
'Tis  true,  Britannia  has  on  ocean  wrong'd, 
As  France  on  land  ;  but  Russia  's  just  to  all, 
And  none,  we  dare  presage,  will  give  her  law, 
Though  much  with  France  we  wish  to  stand  in  peace, 
No  sacrifice  of  commerce  with  thy  foe 
Shall  gain  the  boon,  but  justice  or  our  arms  ! 
This  is  our  fix'd  resolve.     It  now  remains 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  245 

With  tliee  to  ope  the  gorgon  gates  of  war, 
And  deluge  many  a  field  with  human  gore, 
Or  let  ill-fated  Europe  find  repose. 

Ours  is  the  part  to  threat  and  seek  redress  ; 
Our  commerce  check'd,  Dantzic  retain'd,  the  Poles 
Fill'd  with  rebellious  hopes,  the  ominous  rise 
Of  "Warsaw's  dukedom,  and  its  rapid  growth 
At  Austria's  cost,  gives  reason  to  complain  : 
Besides,  you  have  the  seven  Venetian  isles  ; 
And  Tilsit's  treaty  thou  hast  not  perform'd  : 
By  that  thy  troops  should  leave  the  Prussian  posts  : 
Has  this  been  done  ?     They  now  keep  Oldenberg ; 
Against  it  I  protest,  and  humbly  hope 
Thou  wilt  delay  not  to  withdraw  them  thence. 

Thus  Russia's  king — Napoleon  then  exclaims  ; 
What  singular  and  arrogant  demands  ! 
Can  Russia  peace  desire,  while  seeking  war  ? 
For  war  is  ripening  in  her  deeds — in  all  her  deeds  ; 
Deems  she  we  hear  her  loud  defiance,  pleas'd, 
Or  trembling  ?     Impotence  !     Fate  leads  her  on  ; 
Her  end  is  near.     In  evil  hour  and  dark, 
When  all  her  genius  slumber'd,  she  conceiv'd 
The  daring  insults,  that  provoke  our  ire, 
And  on  her  head  unwilling  vengeance  draw. 
I  long  suspected  Alexander's  aim  ; 
'Tis  now  reveal'd — his  hostile  views  appear. 
Invaded  rights  and  wounded  honor  call 
Our  monarchy  to  arms — the  sad  resource 
Of  injur'd  nations  !     In  short  time  our  might 
Will  teach  his  arrogance  the  lesson  given 
At  Austerlitz,  where  France  convine'd  him  once 
Her  claims  to  justice  were  not  ill  premis'd. 

Thus  he,  while  Wisdom,  from  her  high  abode, 
Whence  she,  deep  pondering,  views  the  deeds  of  men, 
Involv'd  in  clouds  to  Russia's  king  repairs, 
And  counsels  thus  :  Beware  what  France  intends  ! 
From  all  transpir'd  expect  immediate  war ; 
For  lo  !  her  chief  imperiously  requires, 


24:6          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

What,  well  he  wist,  thou  never  would'st  concede, 
And  what  he  meant  should  much  thy  pride  offend, 
Some  pretence  seeking  to  invade  thy  realm  ; 
Which  given,  prepare  to  meet  his  vengeful  arm — 
Your  utmost  vigor,  all  your  means  employ — 
Then  if  thou  falPst,  thou  fall'st  exempt  from  blame  ; 
Without  chagrin,  that  thy  inactive  arm 
Permitted  haughty  France  to  bring  thee  low  ; 
But  patient  bearing  heaven's  severe  decree  ; 
Severe,  yet  just,  and  hoping  better  days. 
Convene  thy  martial  council,  and  be  sure 
What  way  to  combat,  when  the  foe  invade  ; 
Protracted  war  will  most  successful  prove. 

The  armies  vast,  by  Policy  array'd 
On  thy  frontier,  thy  presence  much  reqiiire  ; 
Let  them  be  ready  to  maintain  the  war, 
Well  train'd  and  ardent  to  protect  their  land  ; 
Yet  in  their  rear  let  other  hosts  abide, 
Them  to  support,  if  driven  by  stronger  powers. 
Implore  thy  nation  to  dispose  its  sons 
In  the  defence  of  all  to  patriots  dear. 
Request  the  cities  to  pour  forth  their  swarms — 
Their  bright  example  will  advance  thy  cause  ; 
Their  generous  fire  induce  more  generous  deeds, 
And  all  thy  kingdom  bent  on  victory  rise. 

She  spoke — the  king  submiss  to  Wilna  speeds  ; 
He  scans  the  movements  of  his  artful  foe, 
And  martial  council  calls  to  seek  defense 
Against  Napoleon's  kingdom-shaking  power. 
The  chiefs  conven'd,  the  monarch  thus  begins  : 

France,  doubtless,  soon  will  our  lov'd  realm  invade 
Already  Poland  holds  her  mighty  host — 
With  peerless  impudence  her  Emperor  late 
Demanded  our  adoption  of  his  plans, 
A  pretence  seeking  to  unsheath  the  sword. 
I  scorn'd  his  message ;  but  o'erruled  our  pride  ; 
His  fierceness  by  our  firmness  was  rebuked  ; 
Now  Wisdom  bids,  prepare  to  guard  our  throne, 


THE   NAPOLEAD. 

Our  utmost  vigor  and  resource  employ. 
That  if  we  fall,  we  fall  by  heaven's  decree. 
The  means  best  suited  to  our  end  devise ; 
Protracted  warfare  most  successful  proves 
Against  our  enemy  bold  ;  our  frigid  clime 
Must  with  his  southern  armies  disagree, 
If  food  and  shelter  be  from  them  withheld  : 
For  these,  I  doubt  not,  they  on  us  depend. 
If  domes  exist  to  shield  them  from  the  storms, 
Their  sustenance  might  come  from  other  climes, 
And  we  lament  their  stay  ;  but  these  consum'd, 
Though  food  they  have,  the  elements  will  blast  . 
Their  mighty  legions,  and  destroy  their  power. 
I  then  propose  to  make  Lithuania  waste 
Full  many  a  league  around  where  he  invades  ; 
This  was  intended  when  our  hosts  were  spread 
Along  our  wide  frontier  from  Baltic's  shore 
To  Niester's  stream,  that  where  the  foe  advanc'd 
A  general  ruin  should  his  course  precede. 
The  monarch  spoke  and  from  the  court  withdrew ; 
Then  rose  De  Tolly  and  address'd  his  peers  : 

Confederate  friends,  ye  view  the  storm  of  war 
Fast  lowering  on  our  land,  by  him  impelled 
Who  many  realms  controls ;  whose  potent  arm 
Is  garb'd  with  victory,  and  who  heretofore 
Has  trampled  on  the  nations :  now  he  wills 
To  subjugate  our  monarchy  and  throne  : 
O  how  will  mortals  marvel,  if  defeat 
From  Russian  hands  on  his  proud  head  rebound  ! 
What  high  acclaim  betide  our  valiant  king  ! 
But  hope  not  to  o'ercome  in  battle  fields 
That  enemy  strong,  so  oft  triumphant  there  : 
Some  surer  blow  must  rend  him  ;  some  sad  means 
He  ne'er  anticipated,  be  employed 
To  disarrange  his  plans,  and  foil  his  arms. 
What  our  high  chief  propounds  is  safe  defense  ; 
None  surer  though  less  dismal  may  be  sought — 
Dire  is  the  evil,  let  the  remedy  be  dire  ; 


248  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES    GENIN. 

In  desperate  plight,  we  desperate  means  employ. 

What  if  our  arms  avail  not,  and  the  foe 

In  domes  our  imbecility  provides 

Eemain  till  spring  return  ?     O  spring  may  bloom ; 

But  Russia's  majesty  will  fade,  as  flowers 

Chill'd  by  autumnal  winds  ;  a  winter  then 

Thrice  dreary,  sad  and  mournful,  will  destroy 

Our  budding  honors,  glories  of  our  realm, 

Our  rights  divine,  and  all  to  Russians  dear. 

What  shall  we,  then,  in  such  unhappy  state  ? 

Fall  sheath'd  in  armor  ?     Or  degraded  mourn  ? 

Submit  inglorious  ?     Or  to  Tartary  fly  ? 

And  there,  at  length,  constrain'd  by  want  severe, 

Submissive  kiss  the  rod  of  victor  France  ? 

All  seem  more  dreadful,  than  Lithuania  fled 

On  burning  wings  away ;  accord,  then,  peers, 

With  our  high  sovereign  :  where  the  foe  invade 

Wide  round  let  all  things  flame,  and  ruin  drear 

In  sterile  pomp  precede  his  daring  bands  ; 

That  they  not  with  impunity  abide, 

But  learn  to  dread  our  frigid  clime  and  arms. 

He  ended,  and  Benningsen  thus  replied  : 
Thy  ardor  merits  praise  ;  great  is  our  charge, 
Our  monarch's  glory,  and  our  country's  weal. 
The  first,  attain'd  with  conflagrations  wide, 
But  ill  secures  the  last — then  which  prefer  ? 
Kings  should  belong  to  realms,  not  realms  to  kings, 
And  perish  for  their  people  ;  not  depend 
On  their  distress  to  save  themselves  from  harm  : 
Else  would  they  prove  a  curse  to  whom  they  rul'd — 
A  bane  to  social  state,  and  type  of  woe. 
Then  to  secure  our  monarch's  future  reign, 
Should  many  millions  be  of  home  bereav'd  ? 
General  destruction  o'er  Lithuania  hold 
Mournful  dominion  ?     Widows,  aged  sires, 
And  tender  orphans  meet  untimely  graves  ? 
Is  it  not  wiser  all  we  can  t'  employ 
In  potent  combat,  and  before  Gaul's  king 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  249 

Attain  Smolensk,  or  Wilna,  with  vast  power, 

Make  terrible  assault  on  his  long  front, 

Hurling  him  backward  with  o'erwhelrning  might 

Confounded  and  dismay'd,  while  native  scenes, 

Of  ancient  habitations,  the  glad  haunts 

Of  playful  childhood,  and  ancestors  lov'd, 

Be  with  their  sweet  endearments  undisturb'd  ? 

In  numbers,  as  in  valor,  we  excel ; 
Our  dauntless  legions  will  impervious  stand, 
Till  wither'd  by  the  iron  blast  of  death, 
Or  victory  crowns  their  toil — and  though  they  fall 
Envied  will  be  their  fate  ;  their  race  will  bask 
In  the  undying  brightness  of  their  fame — 
Fair  Honor  sorrowing  deck  their  tomb  with  flowers, 
At  which  posterity  will  pointing  say : 
"  There  rest  who  ne'er  beheld  their  country  weep, 
Who  valiant  fought ;  nor  by  them  pass'd  the  foe ; 
But  o'er  their  corses  grac'd  with  glorious  wounds." 
And  if  we  conquer,  what  applause  betides  ! 
Russia  will  then  pronounce  the  fate  of  realms — 
Her  future  generations  boast  the  war, 
In  which,  by  firm  reliance  on  her  sons, 
She  humbled  the  Leviathan  of  kings  ; 
And  not  by  conflagration  of  our  homes, 
Wherein,  methinks,  more  shame  than  honor  lies. 
Can  generous  souls  indulge  the  cruel  scheme  ? 
It  will  not  tend  to  prove  us  great  and  brave — 
Decline  it  then,  and  nobler  means  employ 
T'  avenge  our  country  and  repel  its  foes. 

Thus  spoke  the  chief — and  Tolstoy  thus  began  : 
More  glorious  it  might  be,  to  so  repulse 
Our  enemy  victory- wing'd,  but  perilous  more  ; 
And  if  we  fail  small  glory  will  ensue  ; 
What  is  unfortunate  the  world  derides  ; 
View  suffering  virtue,  and  successful  vice  ; 
That  meets  with  scorn  ;  with  adoration  this. 

Than  we  the  foe  should  not  be  deem'd  more  brave  : 
Our  armies  doubtless  would  contend  and  die ; 


250          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

But  from  some  cause  unknown  in  vain  might  strive 
In  combat  fair,  though  fir'd  by  spirit  bold, 
While  he,  careering  high  at  all  points  round, 
Plays  ruinous  game  ;  and  if  compelled  to  fly 
His  ruthless  front,  while  means  exist  to  keep 
Him  in  our  land,  from  co]d  and  want  secure, 
How  low  will  be  our  state  !  in  what  sad  plight 
Will  be  our  much-lov'd  country  !  now  the  proud, 
The  lofty  Russia,  then  a  vassal  power  ! 
Oh,  holy  saints  !     Apostles  rob'd  in  light, 
And  thou  high  thron'd  in  heaven,  Saviour  of  man  ! 
Swift  interpose  t'  avert  the  dreaded  doom, 
And  judge  ambition's  lawless  strides  in  wrath. 
My  friends,  our  object  is  defense,  not  fame  ; 
Still  glory  springs  from  acting  well  our  part : 
The  means  that  ward  the  foe  will  glorious  prove. 
How  can  they  else  when  in  our  country's  cause  ? 
Then  where  the  foe  invade,  let  all  things  flame, 
And  ruin  drear  his  impious  march  precede — 
Though  many  millions  mourn  the  hard  resolve, 
And  deem  it  needless,  cruel  and  unjust. 
But  what  is  wrong  that  guards  our  monarch's  throne 
Or  what  is  too  severe,  that  forms  such  guard  ? 
Ev'n  Moscow's  ancient  turrets  should  be  wrapp'd 
In  dire  combustion  to  the  foe  destroy. 

The  General  spoke — the  chiefs  assent  declare 
To  waste  the  land  the  enemy  might  o'erpass. 
The  king  delighted  saw  his  plan  prevail ; 
Himself  the  sole  projector  of  his  weal — 
And  them  addressed  :  Illustrious  chiefs,  ye  prove 
By  this  resolve  I  trust  whom  wisdom  guides. 
Some  well  conceive  unfaithful  to  fulfill — 
May  all  your  deeds,  be  as  your  counsels,  wise. 
A  noble  weakness  too  may  disapprove 
What  we  adopt — we  could  not  better  act. 
Where  comes  the  foe,  our  troops  will  waste  the  land 
Far  round  and  quick  our  wide-stretch'd  army  tell 
Of  his  approach  ;  when  it  will  rapid  strive 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  251 

To  concentrate  at  Drissa ;  where  if  Heaven 

Us  not  indulges  with  esperance  vain, 

Our  arms  shall  triumph  o'er  the  daring  foe. 

Thus  they — meantime  the  Gallic  chief  prepares 
To  lead  his  conquering  hosts  to  war  and  thus 
Addresses  his  Louisa,  blooming  queen  : 

Fond  empress  of  my  heart  as  of  our  realm — 
War  calls  me  hence  ;  his  clangorous  trumpet  soon 
Will  roar  tremendous  through  all  Europe's  bounds : 
Thrice  on  his  burning  wain  round  the  huge  world 
Sublime  I  rode,  when  last  sleep  seal'd  these  eyes. 
No  more  I  slumber  here ;  for  rest  no  more 
Yisits  Napoleon  in  inglorious  sloth  : 
To  tented  fields  I  fly,  where  first  I  woo'd 
Fortune  and  Fame  ;  where  yet  my  glory  grows. 
There,  midst  the  clang  of  arms,  bliss  o'er  me  spreads 
Her  wings  in  martial  majesty  ;  ev'n  thou 
Art  not  more  lovely  than  the  iron  groves — 
And  ev'n  thy  voice  less  pleases  than  their  sound. 

Expect  ere  long  to  share  the  mighty  crown 
Of  subject  Europe  ;  for  our  armies  grand 
Go  no  vain  errand  to  the  Russian  realm, 
Which,  vanquish'd,  soon  shall  haughty  Britain  bow, 
Spain  cease  to  combat,  and  our  eagles  wave 
O'er  half  the  world  ;  know,  fate  th'  alternate  gives 
To  make  such  conquests,  or  resign  our  crown. 
Holding  the  spoils  of  many  conquer 'd  states 
What  glory  would  be  ours,  what  peerlesss  height 
Our  rising  son  enjoy  !     Nations  unborn 
Shall  marvel  at  our  deeds ;  renown  will  say  : 
"Napoleon  liv'd,  Louisa  was  his  Queen." 
Mourn  not  my  absence,  then ;  thy  form  will  play 
In  memory's  light  till  to  thy  arms  return'd. 

The  Emperor  ended  and  his  spouse  replied : 
Ah  were  thy  love  like  mine,  nor  war,  nor  arms 
Could  be  more  pleasing  than  Louisa's  voice. 
Frail  woman  gives  to  affection  all  her  soul 
Nor  knows  why  peril,  and  ev'n  peerless  fame 


252  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Bestow  more  happiness  than  peace  and  love. 

How  can  I  mourn  thy  absence  for  our  weal ! 

Yet  if  we  govern'd  all  mankind  I  deem 

"We  still  would  murmur,  as  no  bounds  are  known 

To  human  avarice  ;  all  th'  unnumber'd  worlds 

That  shine  through  night,  would  scarce  allay  its  rage. 

Be  not  too  sure  of  Fortune — oft  with  smiles 
And  syren  voice  she  leads  mankind  astray  ; 
As  wandering  lights  belated  travellers  guide  ; 
"Who  journeying  o'er  some  unfrequented  land, 
"While  sombre  night  her  dark  dominion  holds, 
Elated  think  they  view  bright  taper,  sign 
Of  man's  abode,  and  bless  its  cheering  beams, 
Hastening  toward  the  beacon  false,  till  lost, 
Inextricably  lost  in  miry  fen, 
Or  forest,  briery,  lonesome,  dark  and  wild, 
Where  beasts  howl  hideous  threatening  to  devour. 

Though  prince  of  matchless  armies,  this  campaign 
May  terminate  thy  sway.     He  who  awes  realms 
May  claim  the  humble  tribute  of  a  tear : 
Condemn 'd  to  mourn  his  dazzling  glories  gone, 
"With  eyes  reverted  on  his  erring  days — 
Beholding  fickle  Fortune  lift  him  high 
T'  increase  the  depth,  and  terror  of  his  fall. 
"When  men  resistless  seem  they  feeble  prove ; 
Their  efforts  vain  high  Heaven  with  laughter  views, 
And  lets  them  work  their  ruin.     Oh,  I  fear, 
My  son's  great  sire  may  rove  in  sorrows  gloom — 
His  aims  so  high,  so  doubtful  Fortune's  smiles, 
And  so  mysterious  all  the  springs  of  Fate ! 

Louisa  spoke — the  Emperor  thus  rejoin'd  : 
111  boding  partner,  what  disturbs  thy  breast 
And  clouds  thy  reason  ?  wouldst  thou  have  me  stay 
Inglorious  ?  nothing  ventur'd  nothing  will  be  gain'd. 
Can  Russia  cause  my  ruin  ?  nought  but  arm 
Of  treason  can  disturb  my  lofty  reign ; 
That  arm  I  heed  not  leading  my  brave  powers. 
Sure  Fortune  plays  strange  game  with  man ;  but  me  ? 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  253 

I  earn  her  smiles ;  the  means  are  mine  to  bend 

All  hostile  Europe.     But  if  I  am  doom'd 

To  mourn  lost  glory,  soon  the  day  will  come ; 

Why  then  anticipate  the  hated  time  ? 

I  shun  the  darksome  coast  where  sorrow  reigns ; 

My  genius  shall  conduct  to  happier  end, 

Safe  steering  midst  the  veering  winds  of  life. 

Thus  he,  and  kind  embrac'd  the  blooming  Queen ; 
His  infant  son,  yet  stranger  to  the  world, 
With  heavenly  mildness  gamboling  on  her  knee 
With  sweet  reluctance  meets  his  parent's  arms, 
Who  thus  begins :  "  O  lovely  boy,  if  e'er 
Thou  liv'st  to  know  a  hero's  fire,  or  father's  care, 
And  shine  the  wonder  of  the  future  age, 

O     J 

My  hopes  fulfil'd,  my  soul  will  quaff  repose, 
Though  in  that  land  whence  travellers  ne'er  return. 
O  Thou  who  know'st  the  secret  thoughts  of  men, 
Grant  him  whate'er  a  parent's  fondness  craves." 

Thus  the  great  chief,  by  sacred  love  inspir'd, 
And  from  his  arms  releas'd  th'  imperial  flower. 
Then  bids  adieu — and  hemm'd  by  guards  around 
With  martial  pomp  moves  to  the  field  of  war 
O'er  Vistula's  blue  waves,  where  throng'd  his  powers. 


BOOK   II. 


ANALYSIS. 

Napoleon  advancing  towards  the  Niemen,  is  advised  by  Policy  to  seek 
peace  by  negotiation,  secure  the  aid  of  Lithuania  and  Poland,  and  conciliate 
Sweden.  Narbonne  is  deputed  to  demand  redress  of  Alexander  ;  who  denies 
that  any  right  is  withheld.  Napoleon  addresses  his  soldiers.  His  army 
having  crossed  the  Niemen,  he  directs  a  proclamation  to  the  Polanders,  in 
viting  their  co-operation.  A  Diet  held  at  Warsaw  expresses  the  feelings, 
hopes,  and  views  of  the  Poles.  Mean  time  in  the  Temple  of  Fame,  before 
the  tribunal  of  Providence,  Ambition,  Wisdom,  Pride,  Vanity,  Rashness,  and 
Folly,  debate  whether  Napoleon  shall  attempt  to  terminate  the  war  by  one 
campaign,  and  pass  the  winter  in  Moscow.  Deceit,  observing  that  Napoleon 
was  embarrassed  by  the  proceedings  of  the  Polish  Diet,  assumes  the  form  of 
one  of  his  favorites,  and  endeavors  to  increase  the  discord  between  him  and 
the  Poles.  He  dissents  to  the  plan  communicated  to  him  by  a  Deputation 
from  the  Diet.  Alexander  the  while  summons  his  subjects  to  arms. 

TH'  imperial  chief,  in  peerless  might,  advanc'd 
Towards  Piemen's  stream,  and  glorious  hopes  indulg'd ; 
Unknowing  what  high  heaven  had  preordain'd, 
Confounding  Wisdom,  and  debasing  Pride. 
Of  that  enormous  host  so  fair  and  proud, 
Alas,  how  few  will  to  their  sires  return  ! 
Or  native  land,  and  pleasing  home  behold ! 
Doom'd  the  sad  prey  of  unrelenting  storms 
And  vengeful  enemies,  where  the  tears  of  love 
And  friendship's  tender  cares  cannot  console 
Their  dying  moments,  nor  bestow  a  tomb : 
Their  limbs,  unburied,  hungry  wolves  will  rend ; 
Pale  winter's  moaning  blast,  or  cannon's  roar, 
Shall  be  their  knell ;  their  winding  sheet,  the  snow. 

Shrewd  Policy  involv'd  in  light  appears, 
And  thus  bespeaks  the  head  of  matchless  hosts : 

In  my  bright  path,  which  girds  the  ponderous  globe. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  255 

I  just  have  shot  the  western  continents  o'er : 
The  giant  Andes  see  on  every  side 
Eebellion  winning  Patriotism's  name. 
The  land  of  Franklin  brandishes  the  sword 
At  ocean's  queen,  for  freedom  of  the  seas. 
Her  lion,  bearded  on  his  own  domain, 
Distrustful  views  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  and  owns 
Unwonted  thunders  roll  beneath  their  shade — 
And  thinks  of  Jones,  the  Serapis,  and  fate, 
With  mingled  pride  and  grief;  for  in  the  shock 
He  sees  his  own  unfaltering  spirit  shine. 

The  men  of  thrift,  in  strategy  unskill'd, 
Their  general  in  a  false  position  plac'd ; 
Who  with  his  host  surrendered  to  the  foe. 
Be  not  concern'd ;  the  ministers  are  safe : 
The  servant  suffers  for  the  master's  deed ! 
Their  next  campaign,  proportioned  to  its  base, 
The  flanks 'and  rear  secured,  may  better  end  : 
They  soon  will  launch  a  fleet  on  Erie's  waves, 
And  then,  for  palms,  their  naval  prowess  claims ! 

But  these  are  distant  aids,  more  near  'tis  seen 
Great  Wellington  defeats  thy  arms  in  Spain. 
The  Prussian,  and  perhaps  the  Austrian  troops 
Would  straight  withdraw,  if  thou  shouldst  greatly  need. 
At  Dresden,  when  thy  sun  put  out  the  stars, 
Heardst  thou  no  whispers,  couldst  thou  see  no  frowns, 
No  chaf 'd  and  troubled  royal  wanderers,  lost 
In  thy  surpassing  splendor,  and  scarce  held 
Above  thy  Marshals  ?     Couldst  thou  doubt  their  thoughts  ? 
Thy  long  neglect  of  my  advice,  in  not 
Engaging  Turkey  to  pursue  her  war 
On  Russia ;  and  th'  injurious  restraint 
Thy  recent  pact  with  Austria  has  impos'd 
On  Poland's  restoration,  will  impede 
Thy  progress,  and  deprive  thee  of  the  aid 
Of  millions,  and  the  satisfaction  sweet 
Of  raising  fallen  nations: — and  besides, 
Unless  thou  canst  preserve  o'erwhelming  strength, 


256  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

I  see  grim  danger  float  from  Sweden's  shores ! 
Disdain  not  to  conciliate  her  prince : 
Mere  force  can  never  safely  slight  my  voice. 

Strong  as  thou  art  'tis  possible  for  thee 
To  rashly  enter  Russia.     Heed  my  lore : 
Employ  not  force  save  when  persuasion  fails — 
Though  that  be  surer,  this  is  more  humane. 
Kind  means,  before  severe,  should  be  employ'd 
The  wounds  of  suffering  Russia  may  be  thine. 
The  sequel  view,  to  that  thy  deeds  conform ; 
For  few  and  evil  are  that  mortal's  days, 
Who  of  his  actions  no  result  conceives. 
'Tis  true  kind  heaven  conceals  th'  events  to  come, 
That  hope  may  have  an  ample  range  to  bless ; 
But  reason  by  the  lamp  of  history  sees 
The  future  in  the  mirror  of  the  past. 

Far  o'er  the  rolling  clouds  I  met  Intrigue, 
With  mien  dejected  moving  towards  her  Hall, 
Her  varied  train  proceeding  mute  and  slow : 
Said  she,  "  My  arts  have  fail'd,  the  Russian  race 
With  noble  rage  despise  Napoleon's  lures : 
They  say,  "  we  better  dwell  in  humble  state 
Chill'd  by  drear  poverty,  and  scorn'd  by  fools, 
Than  guilty  wealth  enjoy."     Now  arms  alone 
Must  yield  thee  triumph ;  these  with  skill  dispose ; 
Take  unawares  the  foe.     Some  one  depute 
To  ask  of  Russia's  King  redress  of  wrongs ; 
That  he  withdraw  his  arrogant  demands. 
Him  offer  to  renew  th'  alliance  past ; 
Which,  if  accepted,  may  compose  the  feud ; 
Or  spurn'd,  may  fill  thy  mighty  host  with  ire, 
Urge  them  to  war,  and  thy  pretensions  great 
In  all  the  majesty  of  justice  show. 

When  thy  vast  host  Lithuania's  plains  o'erspread, 
Expedients  then,  to  rouse  her  sons  to  arms, 
'T  were  well  to  use ;  past  independence  tempts 
To  claim  exemption  from  the  Russian  sway  ; 
And  leads  the  Poles  to  reassume  the  rank 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  257 

Their  State  of  old  enjoyed.     First  demonstrate 
Thy  power  to  give  protection,  then  propose 
That  they  assist  t'  effect  their  own  success  : 
So  may'st  thou  gain  immense  resource  to  swell 
The  tide  of  conquest  o'er  the  Russian  realm. 

Thus  Policy ;  the  monarch  answer'd  soon  : 
Impatient  to  assail,  Intrigue  I  ply'd, 
By  thee  advis'd ;  but  nought  her  arts  avail'd. 
Surrounded  by  my  powers,  I  treat  no  more, 
Save  with  the  voice  of  arms :  Force  shall  dispute, 
And  Heaven  decide  our  claims.     Think  ye  I  doubt 
In  matchless  panoply  what  way  to  chide 
Th'  insulting  enemy  ?     Expedience  erst 
Caus'd  my  employment  of  seductive  wiles ; 
But  thus  resistless  arm'd  brief  time  I  wait 
Before  some  realm-astounding  blows  shall  give 
Plain  lessons  to  his  arrogance.     Why  need 
ISTapoleon  parley  with  half-conquered  foes  ? 
Know,  ere  again  fair  Summer  spreads  her  green, 
Proud  Alexander  shall  my  ruth  implore, 
(As  once  he  did  on  Austerlitz'  fam'd  field,) 
France,  high  exalted  o'er  the  states  of  earth, 
Shall  give  him  and  his  vanquish'd  nation  law. 

The  Queen  rejoins  : — Be  not  by  passion  driv'n 
And  proud  impatience  to  begin  great  deeds : 
The  weak  and  prudent  frightful  perils  brave, 
While  rush  the  daring  strong  on  hapless  doom. 
Look  ere  ye  move  ;  know  victory  dear  obtain'd 
Gives  painful  triumph.     Though  success  be  sure, 
The  mode  which  gets  it  cheap  the  best  will  prove. 
Endeavor  then  to  gain,  or  time  or  peace, 
That  unresisted  thou  the  object  win. 

She  spoke,  and  disappear'd — The  King  commands : 

Go  thou,  Narbonne,  the  Russian  monarch  tell, 
France  still  wants  peace.     Advise  him  to  withdraw 
His  singular  and  arrogant  demands. 
Bid  him  learn  timely  to  respect  our  will ; 
For  peace  and  justice  we  alike  adore. 
IT 


258  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENES. 

If  yet  he  frown,  request  him  to  reflect 
On  other  days,  Friedland  and  Austerlitz, 
And  in  his  former,  learn  his  future  doom. 

Thus  he ;  forthwith  Narbonne  to  Wilna  speeds, 
And  courteous  asks  the  Russian  king  for  peace ; 
His  prudence,  hopes,  and  fears  alternate  moves — 
Nor  seems  to  intend  to  touch  the  chord  he  strikes ; 
With  such  adroitness  casts  the  galling  bolt, 
That  while  the  head  approves  the  heart  grows  sore. 
If  what  diplomacy  could  heal,  had  been 
The  source  of  strife,  th'  ambassador  had  shut 
The  gates  of  war ;  but  in  each  sovereign's  breast 
The  fire  of  rivalry  burn'd :  The  leader  one 
Might  prove  of  realms  opposed  to  Gallic  sway ; 
The  other  saw  his  safety  in  the  fall 
Of  Russia  from  the  sphere  of  Europe's  states : 
'Twas  plain  the  fatal  struggle  must  ensue, 
Or  soon,  or  late — and  thus  the  Russian  Head : 

Engag'd  in  war,  your  emperor  talks  of  peace ; 
Peace  he  may  have,  but  not  so  near  my  realm. 
Th'  alleg'd  injustice,  need  we  disavow  ? 
His  plans  are  known :  Ambition  tells  him  false. 
We  dare  his  vengeance !     Go,  him  thus  bespeak : 
The  Russian  king  will  not  negotiate  more, 
'Till  thou  withdraw  thy  troops  from  Prussia's  bounds. 

He  ceas'd — Napoleon  heard,  and  anger  rous'd  : 
He  cries,  what  effront'ry !     The  conquer'd  claim 
The  place  of  conquerors  sure !  Fate  leads  them  on  ; 
Accomplish'd  be  their  destiny.     I  pass 
O'er  Niemen's  stream — brief  argument,  and  loud, 
In  carnage  predicated,  and  reveal'd 
With  voice  of  thunder,  shall  our  rights  defend. 

Soldiers ! — the  second  Polish  war  begins, 
Which  shall  conclude  as  glorious  as  the  past. 
The  first  at  Tilsit  and  Friedland  did  end : 
There  Russia  swore  with  France  eternal  league, 
With  England,  ceaseless  war ;  she  breaks  her  oaths ; 
Nor  will  explain,  till  we  repass  the  Rhine, 


THE    NAPOLEAD.  259 

And  leave  at  her  disposal  our  allies ! 
Fate  so  conducts — her  doom  must  be  fulfill'd. 
Are  we  degenerate  deem'd,  nor  longer  those 
Who  fought  at  Austerlitz  ?     She  gives  us  choice 
Of  war,  or  shame :  We  well  know  which  to  choose. 
We  march ;  the  Niemen  pass ;  and  war  shall  rage. 
The  peace  concluded  shall  itself  uphold : 
'Twill  ruin  that  high  influence,  Russia  long 
Has  exercis'd  beyond  her  proper  sphere. 

Thus  he,  and  when  dark  Evening  spread  her  veil 
Spangled  with  light  of  distant  worlds  unknown, 
Bent  to  fulfill  the  purpose  of  his  soul, 
Commands  Junot,  Poniatowski,  and  Regnier, 
Rul'd  by  Jerome,  at  Grodno  to  o'erpass 
The  Piemen  ;  Beauharnois,  at  Ollitta — 
Davoust  at  Yourbourg — Oudinot,  Murat, 
And  Ney,  at  Kowno — at  his  hest  all  mov'd 
Like  mighty  oceans,  o'er  devoted  land, 
Deep  deluging  its  groves,  and  flow'ry  plains. 
First  Kow^no  witness'd  the  loud  din  of  arms, 
War's  gory  visage,  dolorous  groans,  and  death ; 
There  Gaul's  Dragoons  the  Cossac  host  surpris'd, 
And  drove  them  thence,  and  stain'd  the  ground  with  blood. 

Just  then  a  giant  form  on  Niemen's  stream 
Like  ancient  warrior  stood,  in  gloomy  state. 
His  hand  sustain'd  a  spear  of  quivering  fire, 
His  shield  a  promontory  seem'd,  or  ocean  isle 
Snatch'd  from  its  rocky  base,  and  high  upborne  ; 
His  plume  a  grove,  pluck'd  from  a  mountain's  brow, 
Majestic  nodded  o'er  his  sullen  head, 
And  riv'd  the  shaggy  deeps  of  gloomy  clouds, 
That  round  him  roll'd  assuming  monstrous  forms. 
His  eyes  from  o'er  his  ample  shield,  beheld 
The  angry  conflict  with  malicious  smiles. 
Then  wrapt  in  night,  a  formless  mass  he  seems, 
And  bursts,  a  storm,  upon  the  affrighted  world : 
From  Hsemus'  top  to  Scandinavia's  cliffs 
He  dreadful  roars,  and  flings  his  lightning  arms. 


260  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIK. 

And  pours  thick  pattering  showers  and  wakes  the  winds ; 

Rous'd  Auster  blusters  o'er  th'  Icarian  waves ; 

Strong  Eurus  rolls  the  Baltic  into  foam, 

And  sweeps  o'er  Europe  to  th'  Atlantic  main : 

Far  Albion  hears,  and  startled  views  her  seas, 

And  sympathises  with  her  roving  sons. 

High  Caucasus  returns  Carpathia's  groans, 

And  sounds  of  rustling  wilds,  and  rushing  floods, 

And  uproar  of  the  labor'd  world  between. 

While  sudden  flashes  strike,  and  o'er  all  sounds 

The  thunder  rises,  and  the  smoking  earth, 

Lash'd  by  the  floods  of  heaven,  lies  drench'd  and  torn, 

And  cries  aloud  from  all  her  vales,  and  rills 

That  rush  impetuous  to  th'  involving  main. 

And  now  prevailing  over  Eurus  lull'd 

Cold  Boreas  blusters  round  in  fitful  gusts, 

Disperses  clouds  and  rends  heaven's  misty  veil, 

Dishevelling  summer's  tresses ;  the  tall  oaks 

Toss  from  his  breath  their  leafy  heads,  and  mourn 

That  autumn's  spirit  haunts  the  days  of  June. 

The  tented  fields  are  delug'd,  the  cold  winds 

The  mighty  myriads  chill,  and  long  intrude 

On  summer's  gentle  reign ;  forerunner  sad 

Of  evil  days,  to  Gaul  yet  unreveal'd ; 

When  wrapt  in  forests  groaning  under  load 

Of  lucid  ice,  her  sons  shall  fall  a  prey 

To  storms,  and  foes,  and  meagre  Famine's  rage. 

To  Wilia's  waves  Ambition  adds  a  tear : 
As  in  obedience  to  the  order,  strove 
A  Polish  troop  to  swim  his  rushing  stream, 
She  saw  the  flood  engulfing  steeds,  and  arms, 
And  valiant  men,  and  stifling  loyal  breath, 
That  bade  the  Emperor  live,  while  he  who  spoke 
Was  gone  forever,  ere  the  air  had  ceas'd 
To  feel  the  impulse  of  th'  extingnish'd  voice. 

The  Gallic  armies  unresisted  march'd 
(Save  by  obstructions  nature  interposed) 
O'er  sad  Lithuania,  while  the  Eussian  powers 


THE    NAPOLEAD.  261 

Obedient  to  their  monarch,  concentrate 

At  Drissa  ;  but  that  aim  Napoleon  strives 

To  frustrate  ;  brave  Davoust  with  furious  speed 

Pursues  Bagration  ;  at  Mohilow  soon 

Their  angry  legions,  breathing  death,  contend ; 

Loud  iron  showers  with  ruinous  fury  fall, 

And  earth  groans,  gasps,  and  weeps,  with  mortals  slain. 

Ostrowno,  next  experienc'd  battle's  storm  ; 
Murat  with  fierce  dragoons  spread  terror  there, 
And  vanquished  Russia,  crimsoning  all  the  field. 
And  when  ten  days  had  spent  their  golden  light, 
On  Dwina's  bank  th'  invading  armies  swarm'd, 
Like  clouds  along  the  ridge  of  Andes  vast, 
When  eastern  tempests  from  hoarse  ocean  blow. 
Then  "Witepsk  witness'd  fierce  contention's  flames, 
Rousell  and  Liedot  weltering  in  their  gore. 
Dinabourg  yields  to  thunders  of  Ricard  ; 
Klengel  submits  to  Marckoff 's  greater  power  ; 
Inkovo  views  Sebastiani's  flight — 
Strong  Riga  trembles  at  McDonald's  arms  ; 
Regnier  and  Swartzenburg  Tormasoff  foils 
And  Jakoubovo  Koulniew's  doom  deplores, 
Where  Oudinot  successful  battle  rules. 

Now  mindful  of  what  Policy  advis'd, 
Lithuania  circled  with  his  arms,  and  giv'n 
Provisional  government,  Napoleon  thus 
Her  sons  address'd  : — "  Lithuanians,  Poles,  dear  names 
To  those  who  proudly  view  Hedwiga's  days, 
Sigismund's  power,  or  Kosciusko  mourn  ; 
Behold  !  your  enemies  fly  our  face  ;  their  eyes 
Reverted  on  your  smoking,  ruin'd  land ; 
Their  prey  destroying,  since  they  cannot  save, 
And  pouring  on  your  heads  the  bitter  dregs 
Of  their  unhallow'd  might ;  but  hence  their  hate 
You  shall  not  feel ;  deserving  happier  doom, 
Protecting  France  shall  heal  where  Russia  wounds  ; 
Though  great  the  cost  and  toil,  your  gratitude 
Will  aid  our  arms,  recruit  the  ranks  of  war  : 


262  POEMS    OF  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN". 

And  you  whose  sacred  office  'tis  to  seek 

Heaven's  favor,  will  not  fail  to  move  the  gods 

In  our  behalf.     Sure  Deity's  pure  mind 

Your  land's  emancipation  approbates  ; 

For  he  is  thron'd  on  Justice,  and  perhaps, 

Ev'n  now  his  hand  is  stretch'd  t'  avenge  her  wrongs. 

Within  his  Sanctuary  let  each  exhort 

His  hearers  to  contend  ;  his  country's  claims 

Assert ;  her  grievances  expose,  and  reap 

The  praise  of  godliness  and  patriotism. 

And  you,  brave  Polanders  in  Russia's  train, — 

111  suits  your  service  with  your  country's  good  ; 

Though  once  it  might,  when  not  so  blest  to  boast 

A  country  yours  ;  but,  Poland  is  redeem'd  ! 

Her  safety  needs  your  aid — Russia  compel 

To  render,  what  her  usurpation  gain'd. 

Confederate  Poland  and  Lithuania  calls 

Her  generals,  soldiers,  from  th'  oppressor's  flag — 

"Will  they  neglect  their  country's  voice  ?     Haste  then 

To  bear  the  Eagle  of  the  Jaggellons — 

The  Casimirs  and  Sobieskies  ;  'tis  required 

By  patriotism,  honor,  and  your  God." 

Meantime  the  Seniors  of  the  Polish  State, 
At  Warsaw  Diet  held,  as  he  advis'd. 
Czart'risky,  Marshal  grand,  th'  assembly  rul'd. 
Joy'd  they  to  see  their  country's  worthies  met 
To  hear,  whom  erst  they  gave  in  charge,  to  build 
Their  state  from  its  disjointed  fragments  old, 
Report  of  its  construction.     One  arose 
On  that  committee's  part  t'  express  the  plan 
Devis'd  and  means  t'  effect  the  end  propos'd  : 

JSTestor  of  Polish  patriots  !  as  thou  sitt'st 
In  this  assembly  high,  methinks  the  gods 
Of  Poland,  that  escap'd  her  overthrow, 
With  thee  departed,  and  with  thee  return'd, 
And  now  await  the  worship  of  her  sons  : 
O  let  her  utmost  bounds  their  temple  be  ! 
In  which  the  Poles,  taught  vigilance  by  wiles 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  263 

Of  enemies  sly,  and  Wisdom  by  distress 

Shall  long  adore,  with  peace  and  glory  crown'd. 

Once  was  our  country  great  in  arts  and  arms  ; 
"What  time  fair  Yanda  crushed  th'  enamor'd  king, 
And  Boleslaus  nations  six  subdued, 
She  gave  to  Prussia  and  Bohemia  law  ; 
So  wide  her  conquering  Eagles  stretch'd  their  wings  ! 

Plac'd  as  a  barrier  'gainst  the  barbarous  tribes, 
Our  valor  luckily  circumscribed  their  power ; 
Withstood  th'  uncivil  war,  and  Europe  gave 
Exemption  from  the  intrusion  of  fierce  hordes  : 
It  check'd  Mahomet's  votaries  ;  headlong  zeal 
Dared  not  advance,  while  Poland  frown'd  behind  : 
Let  Leopold  attest,  and  Austria  laud 
The  arm,  that  snatch'd  them  from  th'  impending  grasp 
Of  Turkish  power  ! — To  fill  our  throne  was  deem'd 
An  envied  honor  ;  mightiest  monarchs  strove 
To  win  our  confidence,  and  gain  the  crown  ; 
See  Russia's  sovereign  disappointed,  wage 
Exterminating  war  to  sooth  his  pride, 
While  brave  Batori  whelms  him  in  defeat 
So  bright  the  prize  !     Its  loss  he  so  deplor'd ! 

Although  disunion  oft  disturb'd  our  state, 
We  bore  the  evil,  not  the  neighboring  realms, 
Who  should  have  suifer'd  ;  for  their  rulers  oft 
Fomented  our  disorder  ;  yet,  when  three 
Imperial  robbers  sought  excuse  to  spoil 
Our  territory,  they  alleg'd — alas  ! 
Shall  I  rehearse  what  insults  reason  ?     So 
Replete  with  stupid  wickedness  and  shame ! 
Who  wak'd  the  veto  into  mischief  ?     'Twas 
Those  royal  plunderers  of  our  injur'd  land, 
Who  bear  the  curse  of  many  an  orphan  child — 
The  shame  of  many  a  patriot's  massacre, 
And  guilt  of  Poland's  wrongs.     Kind  memory 
(To  us,  alas  !  unkind)  recall  not  Praga's  groans 
O'erwhelm'd  with  slaughter,  and  combustion  dire, 
For  infants,  sisters,  wives,  and  husbands  slain  ; 


264:  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GKCOT. 

Let  Lethe  o'er  her  roll,  and  hide  the  shame 

Of  civiliz'd  mankind,  and  Europe's  thrones  ! 

Can  her  destroyers  view  her  doom,  nor  quake 

That  heaven  is  just  ?     Sure  angel  never  wrote 

The  tragic  story  without  tears,  nor  sees 

Stern  Justice  the  red  page,  but  empires  reel 

Beneath  her  frown  ;  ev'n  now  I  see  her  point 

Her  vast  artillery  at  the  Russian  power — 

Combine  the  troops  of  mighty  realms  with  him 

Whom  victory  fondly  follows,  and  with  whom 

'Twere  well  to  be  united.     Europe  long 

Has  roll'd  upon  contention's  angry  sea, 

And  needs  repose  ;  but  cannot  while  the  north 

May  vomit  barbarous  hordes — no  longer  those 

Who  quit  their  savage  clime  in  search  of  food  ; 

But  learn'd  in  arts  of  polish'd  states,  they  prowl 

More  formidable.     Heads  refin'd,  conduct 

T'  enjoyment  savage  hearts  ;  religious  slaves 

Obedient  act  what  vicious  lords  command. 

Twice  ten  times  have  their  banners  rov'd  the  south  ; 

Constantinople  totters  for  their  war  : 

Firm  league  with  France  then,  only,  will  secure 

Against  their  might,  as  now  emancipate 

From  their  detested  chains.     Our  valor  too, 

I  doubt  not,  will  command  respect — our  land 

So  fruitful  once  in  heroes,  shall  produce 

Sigismunds  and  Sobieskies,  glory-crown'd  ! 

Our  children  shall  be  proud  to  bear  the  name 

Of  Piast,  Jagellon,  at  which  our  foes, 

Whom  fraud  hath  made  our  masters,  oft  grew  pale  I 

Our  scheme  of  union  every  part  combines 
Of  ancient  Poland  in  one  realm  ;  the  crown 
We  will  to  tender  to  the  Saxon  king, 
Who  heaven  approving,  may  our  state  revive 
With  all  its  wonted  splendor,  and  the  sound, 
u  Long  live  our  country,"  through  Podolia's  plains, 
And  rich  Wolhynia  vibrate  endless  time. 
We  deem  it  suits  th'  occasion,  to  depute 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  265 

Some  of  our  noble  body,  to  make  known 
Unto  Napoleon  this  result,  and  seek 
That  he  give  sure  protection  to  the  child 
Of  Polish  Liberty,  so  heavenly  fair  ! 

Thus  he  ;  the  Diet  approbate  the  scheme, 
And  Deputation  to  the  emperor  send. 

Meantime  in  Fame's  refulgent  Temple,  meet 
Fate's  workers,  summon'd  by  the  Sire  of  heaven. 
His  Agent,  Providence,  enthron'd  on  gold, 
High  o'er  the  rest,  the  great  assembly  rul'd. 

The  wide-spread  roof,  on  diamond  columns  plac'd, 
Of  height  immense  shone  like  the  heavenly  bow, 
Unnumber'd  ways  reflecting  soften'd  light. 
The  crystal  floor,  to  west,  was  edg'd  with  groves 
Of  am'ranth,  myrtle,  laurel,  happy  scenes  ! 
Amidst  them  sculptur'd  shapes  of  other  days 
Stood  musing,  frowning,  great  for  arts,  or  arms. 
With  beryl  seats  the  ample  Hall  was  grac'd  ; 
Not  oft  encumber'd  by  the  serial  guests  : 
Ambition  pac'd  the  air,  and  fiery  bright, 
His  eyes  look'd  heaven-ward,  fill'd  with  high  designs. 
Rashness  beside  him  stood  with  silent  mien, 
Folly* s  unmeaning  countenance  close  behind. 
Pleas'd  Vmiity,  with  self-complacent  air 
Seem'd  to  invite  applause.     Imperious  Pride 
Indifferent  stood,  or  look'd  to  claim  regard. 
Mild  Valor  sat  serene  near  Wisdom  grave 
And  keen-eyed  Prudence  ;  fair  Deceit,  Intrigue, 
Wrinkled  Necessity,  with  eye  intent 
Upon  relief ;  pale  trembling  Fear,  and  all 
Th'  invisible  directors  of  mankind, 
Mov'd  to  and  fro  around  the  brilliant  throne. 

Loud  peal'd  the  thunder  o'er  the  dazzling  Dome  : 
Silence  ensued,  and  Providence  thus  speaks  : 

Europe  with  Europe  wars — Napoleon  fronts 
The  fiery  south  against  the  hoary  north. 
Shall  Russia  subjugated  own  his  law  ? 
But  first,  shall  one  campaign  decide  the  strife  ? 


266  POEMS  OF.  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENES. 

The  means  of  fate  propound — As  suits  the  end 
Let  each  the  course  declare  before  our  throne. 

Thus  he,  and  murmurs  rose  from  all  the  powers, 
Loud,  as  when  breezes  bend  the  rustling  grove — 
Subsiding  soon,  Ambition  rob'd  in  fire, 
Impatient  of  delay,  with  zeal  declaim'd  : 

Fame  blazes,  and  her  ample  field  invites  ! 
Unfading  signs  of  deathless  deeds  inspire 
The  soul  with  gladness,  and  to  emulate 
Their  dignity  ;  but  who  beholds  Gaul's  chief 
Thron'd  above  thrones,  and  doubts  he  will  surpass 
All  monarchs  old  in  magnitude  of  power  ? 
Shall  not  the  Russian  autocrat  low  bend 
Before  his  conquering  banners,  and  behold 
Departed  days  with  sorrow-streaming  eyes  ? 
Ev'n  you,  proud  Isle,  and  stubborn  Spain  shall  cower 
Beneath  his  sceptre — Germany  rejoice 
In  his  resplendent  beams  ;  and  Poland  shine 
Resuscitated  by  his  might,  and  live 
In  his  protection  ;  but  who  builds  her  state 
Shall  wear  her  crown,  maugre  the  Saxon  King  ! 

Sure  armies  vast  should  not,  inactive,  waste 
Winter's  long  gloom  on  Meper's  stream,  and  give 
To  Russia  to  prepare  resistance  strong, 
That  spring  would  bloom  with  bloody  fields,  and  death 
Triumphant  ride  on  victory's  flaming  car  ! 
Gaul's  host  may  now  resistless  penetrate 
Moscow  or  Petersburg :  "When  spring  returns 
Can  they  do  more  than  make  resistless  march 
To  the  high  summit  of  their  Emperor's  hopes  ? 
Let  not  procrastination  dull  the  edge 
Of  lofty  war. — I  would  that  he  advance 
'Till  snowy  winter  wears  his  mantle  cold, 
Or  till  the  enemy  quite  concede  the  field. 

He  ceased,  turn'd  from  the  tlirone  his  beaming  face, 
Flush'd  with  celestial  light,  and  restless  rov'd 
Round  the  bright  forum. — Wisdom  soon  replies  : 

What  exaltation  may  Napoleon  wait 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  267 

Why  should  we  boast,  unknowing  heaven's  designs  ? 

His  future  weal  and  woe,  the  Sire  of  worlds 

Alone  has  measur'd.     Let  us  not  for  truth 

Assert  what  hope  has  whisper'd  on  frail  ground. 

How  oft  fair  morning  ushers  stormy  noon  ! 

Ev'n  this  campaign  if  stretch'd  to  Moscow's  walls 

O'er  the  sing'd  country  may  contract  his  power  : 

Ere  there  arrived  he  wades  through  fields  of  blood — 

Hears  famine's  wail,  and  views  exhausted  ranks — 

Stern  winter  finds  him  destitute  of  food ; 

Perhaps  expos'd  to  insults  of  his  foes, 

Unable  to  retreat.     The  dire  defense 

By  Russia  made,  presents  no  easy  task 

To  those  who  would  subdue  :  at  any  time 

We  shall  not  see  them  unprepar'd  t'  oppose 

Th'  intrusion  ;  sword  and  flames  e'en  now  they  wield  ; 

Too  well  prepar'd  !     Protracted  war  might  quench 

Their  daring  ardor,  not  increase  its  rage  : 

The  troops  of  France,  at  other  times,  will  have 

The  same  inducements  to  contend  as  now. 

Each  party  may  gain  strength  ;  but  France  'tis  sure 

Possesses  greatest  means  to  swell  her  host : 

Delay  then  injures  Russia  more  than  her — 

By  which  Napoleon  safely  may  contend. 

Encamp'd,  while  winter  chills,  on  Nieper's  banks, 

The  spring  would  view  Lithuania  organized, 

And  launching  armies  to  assist  his  arm, 

If  he  politic  act,  or  sanction  give 

To  rules  that  Poland  for  herself  provides  ; 

Who  has  the  right,  and  well  deserves  to  stand 

Restor'd,  with  all  her  provinces,  as  erst, 

When  barbarous  nations  broke  against  her  shield. 

'No  treaty  made  with  Austria  can  impose 

An  obligation  to  do  wrong  ;  for  heaven 

Holds  none  to  infringe  his  laws,  that  man  may  keep 

Rash  promises  to  man  ;  the  less  offense 

Would  be  to  disregard  the  treaty's  terms — 

As  faults  are  less  detestable  than  crimes. 


268  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Alas,  when  will  the  golden  era  come, 

When  kings  deserve  the  plaudits  of  the  just ; 

Perverse  ambition  fires  their  breast  no  more, 

And  guilty  pomp  is  scorn'd ;  while  generous  zeal 

To  bless  their  subject  children  points  their  ways  ! 

Then  shall  they  justly  bear  the  name  of  sires, 

And  guardians  of  the  happiness  of  realms  ; 

The  people  aid  their  king  in  peace  and  war, 

Convinc'd  for  them,  and  not  for  him,  is  call'd 

The  man-destroying  monster  into  life. 

Ah  !  were  the  nations  just,  nay,  merely  wise, 

War's  death-drawn  chariot  never  more  would  roll ; 

But  held  as  barbarous  folly,  sink  despis'd, 

Companion  of  exploded  errors  past. 

Who  warr'd  to  gratify  ambition,  pride, 

Or  base  revenge,  no  myrtle  honors  wear 

The  good  would  envy  :  what  therefore  is  just, 

If  justice  be  in  war,  ye  powers,  advise 

Your  favorite  king ;  for  there  may  come  a  time, 

When  bloody  chaplets  pain  the  wearer's  head. 

He  has  not  means  to  force  his  foes  to  yield 

By  one  campaign ;  those  will  abortive  prove 

Employed  beyond  their  strength  ;  one  arm  may  lift 

Huge  promontories  from  their  bases  deep  ; 

But  not  by  one  exertion,  lest  o'erwhelm'd 

Its  force  expire  :  Let  not  th'  attempt  exceed 

The  means  possess'd. — Stern  winter's  freezing  blasts 

Midst  lands  made  desolate,  and  Russia's  arms 

Must  be  resisted  :  Moscow  may  depart 

On  wings  of  fire  :  Ev'n  doubtful  Shelter  holds 

Her  hand  far  distant,  beyond  seas  of  blood. 

Thus  mild,  great  Wisdom  held  the  happier  course. 
Ambition  then  rejoins  :  Forget  me  Fame 
If  Wisdom  speaks  sincere.     My  favorite,  sure  ! 
And  only  mine,  or  theirs,  is  this  great  chief ! 
On  me  is  lavish'd  undeserved  applause  ! 
Could  I  have  lifted  mortal  to  his  height 
In  deeds,  or  power,  this  voice,  importunate, 


THE   LAPOLEAD.  269 

Had  not  so  oft  ask'd  Wisdom's  useful  aid. 

But  say,  fair  pleader,  hast  thou  long  believ'd 

I  fir'd  the  hero  for  inglorious  ends  ? 

Late  didst  thou  boast  that  he  thy  lessons  prov'd, 

Solv'd  doubtful  theories  by  practice  brave, 

Scann'd  civil  policy,  and  darkness  drove 

Before,  as  he  advanc'd  in  war,  and  peace. 

He,  thus  expert,  may  well  extend  his  power. 

If  o'er  the  triple  flames  another  crown, 

'  Tis  merit's  due  reward.     Strange  Policy 

Thou  hast  commended  !     Should  he  guarantee 

To  new-form'd  Poland  that  which  Austria  claims, 

And  Prussia — strong  allies,  and  in  Ms  rear  ? 

Could  then  this  embrio,  faction-riven  state 

More  aid,  or  harm,  than  they  ?     Can  Poland  claim 

Exemption  from  his  sceptre,  who  upbears 

Her  state  from  deepest  ruin  ?     But  without 

Lithuania's  legions,  and  by  one  campaign, 

'  Tis  his  to  give  defeated  Kussia  law. 

Shall  he,  O  Providence,  who  kings  controls, 

Whom  empires  fear,  unnumber'd  warriors  rules, 

Meet  such  repulse  from  foes,  or  winter's  storms, 

As  will  prove  vain  his  vast  array  ?  when,  lo  ! 

His  enemy  trembles  for  the  great  result 

And  feels  already  lost !     Let  winter  dart 

His  keenest  arrows,  and  the  foe  employ 

His  utmost  valor  ;  all  can  France  endure, 

But  not  inglorious  rest.     Moscow  will  shield 

Her  numerous  host,  till  blooming  spring  return  ; 

Then  he  march  forth,  all  potent,  to  subdue 

Th'  opposing  foe,  and  ratify  their  doom. 

Thus  he — then  Wisdom  :  Reason's  ill  employ 'd 
In  superstructing  dangerous  results 
On  falsities.     Let  Russia's  winter  reign 
With  common  force,  and  France  will  doubtless  want 
No  greater  foe.     If  safe  Napoleon  camp 
Within  rich  Moscow's  walls  while  winter  storms, 
Just  heaven  must  stop  the  rolling  world's  career  : 


270  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Suspend  great  nature's  laws,  till  one  vain  man 

Accomplish  what  pure  Justice  disapproves  ! 

If  Jove  hath  preordain'd  that  Russia  fall, 

Of  which  we  know  not,  need  it  cost  too  dear  ? 

Must  France  then  combat  elements  and  men  ? 

Sure  wasteful  victory  should  be  less  preferred 

Than  that  which  comes  exempt  from  blood  and  tears. 

I  deem  it  well,  Napoleon  justly  choose 
Between  Lithuania's  aid  and  Austria's  ire. 
The  first  will  swell  his  power — the  last  will  naught 
Increase  his  danger.     '  Tis  his  power  arrays 
Th'  allies  beneath  his  standard  ;  this  improv'd, 
Confirms  th'  alliance  :  Let  the  mode  offend — 
Are  Prussia's  fortresses  not  held  by  France  \ 
The  cause  enlarg'd  will  that  th'  effect  decrease  \ 
Will  bonds,  less  strong  embrace,  for  added  strength  ? 
It  ill  befits  to  obstacles  despise  : 
Or  blind  remain  to  what  denies  desire  : 
Who  walking  looks  at  stars  in  pits  may  fall — 
Ev'n  he  may  look  behind  on  better  days, 
Mourning  thy  counsels,  and  his  hapless  doom. 
Let  generous  passion  never  tempt  to  trust 
Inconstant  fortune,  without  constant  watch, 
And  careful  use  of  every  mean  to  gain 
The  joyful  gaol ;  for  she  delights  to  throw 
The  golden  apples  to  restrain  your  speed. 
Be  self-denying  perseverance  term'd 
The  harbinger  of  greatness  and  renown. 
She  ended  ;  Yanity  then  loud  began  : 
Shall  mightiest  armies  dwindle  at  the  voice 
Of  slow  contriving  Wisdom,  that  defeat 
Will  be  their  portion,  or  ill-timed  delay  ; 
Though  led  by  him  who  dictates  law  to  kings — 
Who  soar's  on  victory's  pinions,  and  who  oft 
Defeated  congregated  nations,  bent 
To  whelm  him  in  destruction  ?     Now  he  wields 
The  force  of  conjunct  states,  will  he  be  deem'd 
Incapable  of  combatting  one  realm, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  271 

Inferior  than  his  own,  for  winter's  sway, 
Which  though  severe,  the  Russians  too  must  feel  ? 
Ambition,  parent  of  my  joys  I  how  oft 
Has  wisdom  help'd  thee  climb  the  slippery  steep 
Of  doubtful  fortune,  and  how  seldom,  erst, 
Beheld  our  object  with  imperfect  sight ! 
But  e'en  the  radiant  sun  hath  isles  opaque — 
Erailties  the  strong,  and  follies  have  the  wise — 
The  fragrant  rose  on  prickly  branches  blooms. 
'  Tis  untrue  picture  that  presents  no  shade — 
E'en  wisdom  hath  her  darkness,  as  her  light. 
The  frost  of  years  the  lovliest  beauty  kills — 
The  vigorous  hero  totters  frail  with  age  ; 
And  ah,  it  seems  that  Wisdom,  too,  may  fade  ! 

With  me,  it  is  not  doubtful,  one  campaign 
Will  every  object  of  the  war  secure. 
Europe's  great  crown  ere  thrice  more  rolls  the  year, 
Shall  flame  above  the  glory-beaming  brows 
Of  Gaul's  imperial  chief,  the  pride  of  fields ! 

Thus  spoke  she,  like  a  thoughtless  wanton  girl, 
Whose  inexperience,  but  in  plenty's  lap, 
On  other's  toil  befits  her  not  to  roam 
From  guardian  care,  on  life's  eventful  stream. 
The  powers,  with  laughter,  heard  the  critic  fair 
Ascribe  to  dotage  deathless  Wisdom's  lore. 
Rashness  succeeded  and  thus  stern  declaim'd : 

Repose  is  shame  to  one  so  great  in  arms 
As  he,  the  lofty  subject  of  debate, 
Whose  numerous  army  like  autumnal  clouds 
Spreads  o'er  wide  climes,  and  gladly  hails  the  war — • 
Pregnant  with  ruin  to  the  Russian  throne. 
I  see,  as  with  prophetic  eye,  his  host, 
Rush  over  Moscow's  walls,  with  victory  plum'd, 
Before  Spring  twice  resumes  her  green,  grim  war 
Tame  fawning  at  his  feet ;  nor  dares  to  roar, 
But  when  he  bids ;  and  Kings  now  proudly  thron'd, 
Enquire  his  pleasure  ere  they  act,  as  should 
Th'  emancipated  Poles.     What  can  delay 


272  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

His  veteran  legions,  but  supernal  power  ? 

Already  fly  the  foe  before  liis  arms 

Like  falling  snow,  or  wither'd  leaves,  before 

The  screaming  tempest,  sweeping  bleak  champaigns. 

Nought  shall  withstand — he  will  triumphing,  bold 

Kush  o'er  his  enemy's  throne,  like  ponderous  rock 

Lax'd  from  some  clouded  peak,  that  thundering  rolls 

Resistless,  wild,  and  furious  to  the  vale 

O'er  bending  saplings,  crackling  shrubs  and  herds. 

Thus  he,  with  countenance  beaming  fiery  rays. 
Pride  next,  with  sullen  vizage,  thus  begins : 

Why  waste  we  time,  resolving  problems  solv'd  ! 
As  whether  Gaul's  fam'd  chief  shall  winter  waste 
By  cowardly  delay  on  Nieper's  banks  ? 
Midst  glorious  war,  I  scorn  inglorious  ease ! 
Wisdom's  remarks  ill  with  th'  occasion  suit; 
She  deems  war's  laurels  will  prove  curses ;  so  they  may 
If  reap'd  by  her  direction,  in  dull  camps, 
Concealed  by  ramparts,  lest  a  flying  foe, 
His  eye  reverting,  might  his  conquerors  see ! 
A  plight  so  foul  could  Folly's  self  endure  ? 
Say  which  is  best,  to  linger  meanly  there, 
Or,  in  a  storm  of  horrors  seek  renown, 
Or,  dying  nobly,  sleep  in  glory's  arms  ? 
Ambition  fitly  taught ;  her  language  fell 
Into  my  ear,  as  gold  in  miser's  hand  ; 
Not  to  instruct,  but  to  convince,  she  form'd 
Due  estimation  of  Napoleon's  means ; 
Who  moving  shakes  the  nations — Conquest  crowds 
Before,  and  Fame,  loud  thundering,  moves  behind  ! 

She  finish'd,  and  from  out  the  golden  cloud, 
That  Providence  enshrin'd  'twas  heard :  "  'Tis  fix'd ; 
Napoleon  shall  attempt  by  one  campaign 
To  enter  Moscow,  and  the  contest  end." 
Immediately  Fame's  trumpet  rent  the  air — 
At  the  loud  peal,  the  sculptur'd  myriads  glow'd 
With  momentary  life ;  and  when  the  sound 
Ceas'd  echoing  through  th'  immortal  pile,  resum'd 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  273 

The  passive  monument  in  stillness  cold. 
Deceit,  the  while,  in  mute  attention  hung 
On  Wisdom's  eloquence,  and  quick  perceiv'd 
The  gulf,  in  which  .Napoleon  might  be  plung'd. 
Swift  from  the  Temple  now  she  wings  her  flight, 
Assumes  the  form  of  one  the  Emperor  lov'd 
And  to  his  dome  repairs,  who  mus'd  intent 
On  what  wild  rumor  told  of  Poland's  state — 
Griev'd  that  she  claim'd  what  his  allies  possessed ; 
He  asks  his  visitor :     Can  it  be  true  ? 
Deceit  replied :     I  know  not  of  its  truth ; 
But  sure,  it  should  prove  false ;  the  Poles  will  scarce 
Attempt  such  measures  heedless  of  their  prop — 
As  well  might  creatures  their  Creator  rule ! 
Were  they  a  nation,  but  beneath  thy  shield  ? 
Whose  being  thou  uphold'st,  should  rirst  consult 
Thy  pleasure,  ere  they  act ;  and  O  were  I 
Napoleon,  doubtless,  they  would  quickly  learn, 
The  crown  was  not  at  their  disposal  blind ; 
Russia  in  vain  expect  another  Charles 
Wandering  Borysthenes  to  P'ultowa ; 
But  see  our  banners  shade  her  Moscow's  walls, 
Ere  fading  autumn  fall  in  winter's  arms. 

Thus  she.     The  Deputation  of  the  poles 
Now  of  Napoleon  his  protection  crave 
Of  Poland's  liberty.     He  thus  replies  : 

I  much  regret  Gallicia  cannot  form 
What  of  you  state  I  may  defend ;  engag'd 
Th'  integrity  of  Austria's  realm  to  guard. 
You  have  my  kindest  wishes,  had  I  reign'd 
When  that  partition  was  decreed,  rny  arms 
Had  foil'd  the  sentence.     Go  assist  yourselves : 
Pour  forth  your  legions ;  let  your  people  all 
Make  war  on  Russia,  France  and  Poland's  foe ! 
You  thus  will  make  efficient  your  resolves. 

The  Deputation  answered :     "  Sire,  our  State 
Will  make  all  prudent  sacrifices  to  deserve 
Your  great  regard."     Then  to  their  peers  return'd ; 
18 


274  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENES'. 

Napoleon  to  Iris  armies.     Russia's  king 

The  while,  his  realm  bespeaks  :     We  long  beheld 

The  Gallic  emperor  frowning,  while  we  smil'd — 

Hoping  to  pacify.     When  war  shone  through 

His  actions,  we  rais'd  armies  to  defend ; 

Yet  wish'd  our  mildness  might  disarm  his  rage. 

Peace  we  have  sought  in  vain ;  Kowno  has  bled 

By  Gallic  spear ;  Napoleon  launches  war 

O'er  Piemen's  waves ;  we  must  oppose  his  arms. 

Heaven's  Lord  attests  our  innocence ;  invok'd 

He  will  defend.     Our  soldiers'  duty  need  we  tell  ? 

Does  not  Sclavonian  blood  flow  in  their  veins  ? 

Your  liberty,  religion,  and  your  homes — 

Warriors,  your  all  you  must  defend !     With  you 

I  am,  and  God  cannot  be  with  the  foe. 

From  when,  France,  wild  with  liberty,  o'erthrew 

God's  altars,  and  th'  Anointed's  throne  profan'd, 

Heaven's  vengeance  has  pursued ;  and  those  who  went 

In  her  bad  ways :  The  vicious  should  be  shunn'd. 

To  anarchy,  oppression's  hideous  sway 

Succeeded,  with  unnumber'd  woes ;  e'en  peace 

Repos'd  her  not :     Jove  maddens  whom  he  wrecks. 

Long  guarded  by  Heaven's  mercy,  we  beheld 

Compassionate,  the  ills  the  nations  bore. 

Dreadful  examples !     Heed  their  warning  voice, 

That  bids  us  shun  the  gulf  in  which  they  roll'd, 

And  trust  in  arms,  and  Heaven,  in  danger's  hour. 

Russians,  that  hour  is  come :     An  enemy 

Insatiable,  who  violates  his  vows, 

Would  gore  your  country's  bosom  ;  he  disdains 

Your  altars,  while  affecting  to  adore ; 

Speaks  friendly  while  he  wields  the  murderous  sword  : 

Such  is  the  foe  we  ask  you  to  oppose. 

What  should  we  fear,  with  justice  arm'd  ?     Not  war, 

So  long  to  Russia  glorious  ?     Erst  the  North 

Alarm'd  the  South ;  but  when  refinement  bends 

Our  minds  to  peace,  the  latter  lifts  the  sword, 

By  mad  ambition  driv'n  her  fertile  plains 


THE    NAPOEEAD.  275 

Neglecting  to  invade  our  frozen  clime. 

T'  avoid  oppression  must  we  needs  oppress  ? 

Must  peaceful  conduct  our  misfortune  prove  ? 

In  vain  Napoleon  boasts,  lie  wars  to  check 

Our  influence  and  barbarism  ;  an  artifice, 

Which  only  can  deceive  who  know  us  not. 

He  fears  our  civilization  more  :     What  realm 

Exists,  so  virtuous,  as  to  view  unmov'd 

With  jealousy,  our  empire's  wondrous  growth  ? 

One  century  scarce  has  roll'd,  since  it  was  rank'd 

By  Peter  of  illustrious  name,  with  powerful  states  ; 

Since  then,  what  conquests  have  we  made !     How  oft 

Our  arms  have  triumph'd !     Grander  trophies  still, 

Are  towns,  and  universities  we  rear'd, 

And  provinces  our  kindness  civiliz'd. 

Our  foes  reproach  for  conquests  o'er  the  Turks  ; 

Pretending  not  to  know,  our  arms  alone 

Have  long  exempted  Europe  from  their  rage  : 

To  us  Hungary  owes  her  peaceful  state, 

And  Italy  her  safety.     Thus  our  wars 

Have  even  prov'd  a  constant  source  of  peace. 

But  when  excuse  is  for  injustice  sought 

Expect  absurd,  or  false.     It  now  behoves 

To  lift  the  sword  for  all  to  Russians  dear. 

Arm,  children  of  our  church  !     Our  fathers'  faith 

Defend,  and  emulate  their  patriotism — 

Make  sacrifice  of  wealth,  and  life,  to  save 

Your  progeny,  your  homes,  your  church  and  state ; 

Recall  the  times,  your  sires,  shielded  by  faith, 

Withstood  black  infidelity  in  arms. 

Ye  nobles,  first  advance  in  honor's  path — 

The  nation  looks  to  you ;  may  ye  go  forth, 

Like  Judea's  Judges  in  her  evil  days ; 

But  while  ye  war  remember  to  be  just : 

From  deeds  unworthy  our  great  cause  refrain 

That  all-beholding  Heaven  may  bless  our  arms. 


BOOK    III. 


ANALYSIS/ 

The  Russian  army  being  concentrated  at  Smolensko,  Napoleon  directs  the 
order  of  the  attack  on  the  town.  Amidst  the  tumult  of  the  fight  the  mo 
tions  of  the  passions  are  described.  Davoust  proceeds  to  storm  the  suburbs- 
which  are  obtained  by  the  exertions  of  Gudin's  and  Morand's  divisions,  and 
of  their  brigadiers,  Colbert,  Huard  and  Pajol.  The  battle  being  favorable 
to  France,  De  Tolly  consults  his  generals  and  withdraws  his  troops  from 
Smolensko.  Napoleon,  anticipating  their  movements,  directs  a  bridge  to  be 
thrown  across  the  Borysthenes,  by  which  his  army  pursues  the  Russians 
and  overtaking  them  at  Voluntina  or  the  sacred  field,  a  bloody  battle  is 
fought  in  which  the  Russians  are  defeated. 

Conversation  of  the  wounded  on  the  field.  Napoleon's  view  of  war  under 
the  alternate  influence  of  Ambition  and  Wisdom,  and  ultimate  intentions. 

WAR  in  product  frowns  round  Smolensko's  walls ; 
The  gathering  storm  of  fatal  battle  lowers ; 
Hope  still  on  Russia's  genius  throws  her  rays. 
Bagration's  legion  from  Mohilow  fled 
De  Tolly's  myriads  near  Smolensko  joins, 
Where  Korff,  Rajefski,  PlatofF,  and  Eugene, 
Threat  to  revert  the  war  from  J^ieper's  shores, 
And  stop  th'  invader's  march,  who  far  had  strode 
Impetuous,  unresisted,  like  wild  winds 
O'er  passive  groves,  or  ponderous  rolling  floods 
Fast  inundating  some  devoted  land. 
In  sight  both  hosts  approach,  the  steel-clad  lines 
Wide  space  o'ershadow,  and  portentous  frown, 
Like  gloomy  clouds,  that  under  thunder  groan. 

Decisive  valor  fir'd  the  Russian  powers, 
Breathing  revenge,  or  patriotic  wrath ; 
Nor  less  Gaul's  host ;  proud  of  departed  days 
And  glorying  in  their  chief,  were  fearless  all : 
By  him  controll'd  they  smil'd  at  danger's  frown ; 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  277 

Joy'd  in  his  front  to  pluck  undying  flowers, 
And  climb  the  slippery,  lofty  height  of  fame. 

Along  the  sable  lines,  the  martial  chiefs 
Fly  on  the  trampling  horse,  with  tempest  speed, 
Correcting  and  arranging :  beam  their  eyes 
With  stern  delight ;  war  round  them  grimly  smiles, 
And  rebel  nature  yields  to  glory's  call. 
There  in  proud  majesty  Napoleon  blaz'd 
On  a  bold  steed,  that  conscious  of  his  load 
Seem'd  sharing  empires ;  swift  careering  round 
His  piercing  sight  arraigns  defects,  and  marks 
The  hill  or  vale,  where  war  shall  scatter  fate ; 
While  clamorous  joy  along  his  course  resounds, 
Loud,  as  when  autumn  views  Long  Island's  bays 
Dark-robed  with  fowls  of  heaven,  while  blustering  winds 
High  toss  her  sand,  and  rend  her  waving  pines, 
And  on  spread  wings  the  feather'd  nations  soar 
Tumultuous  on  the  blast,  with  cadence  hoarse 
Above  the  dashing  waves,  and  mingled  sounds 
Confusedly  rise  along  the  foamy  strand, — 
Prepar'd  for  fight,  he  thus  address'd  his  chiefs : 

A  long  sought  object  yonder  !  lo  the  foe ! 
Oppos'd  to  our  dull  course ;  for  dull  it  seems, 
When  no  hard  conflicts  rouse  the  slumbering  soul. 
Harvest  of  glory  ripening  shines  before — 
Our  army  yearns  to  reap  the  splendid  field. 
Know,  waken'd  valor  soon  shall  sweep  yon  plain 
Of  Russia's  myriads  ;  the  absorbing  land 
Be  satiate  of  their  blood ;  its  herbage  tell 
In  future  times  of  this  eventful  day ; 
Reminding  swains,  France  fought  with  glory  here, 
Or  recreant  fled  before  a  braver  foe. 
Four  days  have  seen  De  Tolly  strike  the  wind ; 
While  round  his  left  our  numerous  armies  mov'd. 
We  now  had  held  Smolensko,  broke  his  lines 
Of  intercourse  with  Moscow,  had  not  fate 
And  Newerowski  otherwise  ordain'd. 
That  town  will  still  be  ours,  though  now  we  see 


278  POEMS   OF    THOMAS    HEDGES   GENIN. 

De  Tolly  thither  come  involv'd  in  dust. 

Bagration  too  has  reach'd  th'  endangered  point. 

O  !  ere  their  coming  had  its  walls  been  storm'd 

Successfully,  and  ~Ney  got  aught  but  wounds ! 

But  now  we  have  them  ;  if  not,  hope  deceives. 

Murat !  in  yonder  glade  the  horse  retain ; 

There  wait  my  pleasure,  when  the  headlong  charge 

Of  snorting  steeds  shall  swell  the  battle's  roar. 

Davoust !  in  quadrate  lead  our  centre  up 

Yon  eminence,  there  left-deploying,  tempt 

The  foe  from  his  high  towers,  which,  if  he  leave, 

Receive  him  with  destructive  compliments, 

Or  such  civility  he  knew  before, 

On  Eylau,  Austerlitz,  or  Friedland's  fields. 

Thou,  Poniatowsld,  on  Borysthenes 

Conduct  our  right — on  yonder  hills  place  guns, 

To  send  destruction  on  the  foe's  arm'd  mounts — 

His  ramparts  storm,  and  roaring  tiers  dethrone. 

]$Tey,  on  our  left,  shall  guide  the  battle's  rage. 

Here,  with  our  guard  we  shall  overlook  the  storni 

And  watch  the  moment  to  decide  the  fight. 

So  speaking,  from  his  presence  flew  the  chiefs 

Each  to  his  reign,  and  summon'd  all  his  band ; 

Them  counseled  of  their  course,  and  needful  acts, 

When  burn'd  th'  impending  combat.     Soon  Davoust 

Outled  his  legions ;  seem'd  they  forest  wide 

Careering  gay  to  sound  of  Orphean  lyre ; 

And  simultaneous  in  long  splendor  move 

The  brother  marshals  ;  loud  the  trumpets  roar — 

The  road  to  death  the  voice  of  music  cheers. 

Sudden  tremendous  thunders  shake  the  land, 

"With  jaculation  of  destructive  globes 

Through  bleeding  myriads,  and  reclining  trees, 

Involving  all  the  hosts  in  murky  clouds, 

Inspiring  terror  and  confusion  wild : 

As  ^Etna  when  he  to  the  centre  groans 

With  turbulence  of  entrails,  and  upheaves 

Huge  rocks,  and  burning  floods,  and  kingdoms  quake, 


THE   NAPOLEAD. 

Towns  reel,  and  giant  terror  empire  holds. 
Then,  far  as  human  ken  at  once  extends, 
The  vast  earth-shaking  armies  aim  their  tubes, 
Surcharg'd  with  death ;  immediate  bursts  aloud 
The  nitrous  fire,  swift  sending  heavy  load 
Commissioned  to  destroy ;  so  either  host 
Begin  destructive  fray ;  wide  sheets  of  flame 
Corruscant,  pierce  the  darkening  cloak  of  war. 
The  deafening  sounds  of  cannon,  muskets,  drums, 
And  dying  groans,  convulse  the  region  round. 
A  scene  more  awful  than  the  midnight  heavens 
Torn  with  contentious  storm,  when  angry  Jove 
Seems  borne  on  howling  winds,  rob'd  in  dark  clouds, 
Grasping  ten  thousand  thunders  and  fork'd  bolts 
To  singe  the  guilty  land,  and  starry  cope. 

Huge  iron  globes  thick  dart  from  foes  to  foes, 
Disgorg'd  by  thundering  engines,  darkly  thron'd 
On  frowning  hills,  suffus'd  with  smoke  and  fire. 
At  different  points  the  adverse  powers  condense, 
With  bayonets  sharp  protended,  death-fraught  arms, 
In  dreadful  expectation  and  suspense. 
While  the  rude  clangor  of  the  fight  benumbs 
Their  senses,  the  fierce  warriors  desperate  charge  : 
Thousands  on  thousands  sternly  rush,  intent 
On  slaughter ;  the  tremendous  din  sounds  far 
Of  clashing  arms,  and  lamentable  cries 
Of  victims  writhing  on  the  pointed  steel. 
The  sub-commanders  of  each  host,  behind, 
With  brandish'd  swords  excite  to  bloody  deeds. 
Alternately  the  hostile  nations  yield. 
Fortune  with  various  smiles  looks  on  each  realm ; 
But  most  on  France,  whom  her  great  son  controll'd. 

The  centre  still  at  distant  combat  stands, 
Discharging  bullets  through  the  sighing  air : 
The  winged  deaths  in  many  a  hero's  breast 
End  their  fleet  course,  relax  his  arm,  and  shade 
His  eyes  with  night  that  has  no  morn ;  supine, 
He  gasping  falls  upon  the  gory  ground. 


280  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN. 

Napoleon  lofty  seated  in  war's  rear, 
"With  optic  tube  surveys  the  stormy  field. 
Yalor,  perception  keen,  august  design, 
On  his  bright  mien  in  pleasing  triumph  sate. 
With  pleasure  vaulting  from  the  dome  of  Fame, 
Its  tenants  wander  over  half  the  world  : 
Gay  Vanity  in  sun-like  splendor  drives 
Her  coursers  headlong  through  the  southern  skies, 
O'er  Ottoman,  and  Russian  kingdoms  wide, 
To  Norway's  barren  hills,  and  deserts  cold, 
Thence  o'er  the  Finland  gulf,  and  German  states, 
To  Britain's  sea-girt  isle ;  astriferous  robes, 
Back  streaming,  streak'd  her  wake  with  silver  light. 
Full  in  his  view  flarn'd  Glory's  gorgeous  wain, 
Rolling  o'er  iron  groves,  and  thundering  storm, 
Swift  as  tower-rocking  whirlwinds  sweep  the  skies, 
By  Admiration  drawn,  with  wings  emblaz'd 
By  living  fire  of  eyes ;  her  voice  swell'd  wild, 
Loud  as  vex'd  ocean  greets  his  leeward  shore, 
By  ponderous  arm  of  tempest  smote  to  foam — 
"When  waves  and  clouds  commix'd,  the  nether  sand, 
From  the  blue  deep  upborne  by  eddies  strong, 
Rolls  on  the  tumbling  surges,  snowy-crown'd, 
And  dashes  on  the  whitening  roaring  shore. 
High  sat  the  world-enchanting  power;  her  scourge 
Round  waving,  form'd  circumference  of  fire 
Above  her  stellar  crown,  whose  living  light 
Inspired  immortal  thoughts  in  lofty  souls. 
Before  her,  valor  rode  with  unsheath'd  sword, 
Like  lightning  flaming ;  oft  he  look'd  behind 
On  scenes  of  following  radiance,  Glory's  pomp ! 
Ambition's  steed  fast  gallops  round  the  gloom — 
Now  treads  the  land,  now  leaps  from  cloud  to  cloud 
Dark  floating  o'er  the  war.     Wisdom  drew  near 
Th'  imperial  hero,  in  dun  clouds  involv'd, 
Thua  speaking :  Miserable  race !  again 
Earth  drinks  her  children'  blood,  untimely  shed ; 
Ungrateful  to  God's  eye ;  good  spirits  weep. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  281 

That  useful  steel  to  murderous  bayonets  turns — 
That  Wisdom  aids  in  Heaven-offending  schemes. 
Then  end  the  strife  with  least  expense  of  blood ; 
Necessity  alone  be  Havoc's  plea. 
Canst  thou  look  through  futurity,  or  tell 
How  long  thy  sway  may  last,  or  fortune  bless  ? 
A  time  may  be  when  thou  wilt  move  in  gloom 
Of  drear  misfortune,  and  lament  the  day, 
Ambition  urg'd  thee  to  this  doubtful  war ; 
For  know,  when  mortals  pass  the  sacred  bounds, 
Prescrib'd  by  common  will,  the  voice  of  Heaven, 
They  wander  dangerous  ground.     He  soon  replied : 

Fortune  'tis  true,  oft  tricks  the  human  race  ; 
What  Heaven  imposes,  man  must  bear ;  I  ne'er 
Shall  try  to  seize  yon  sun,  or  alter  fate. 
If  man  were  as  he  ought,  I  would  control 
With  correspondent  virtue ;  as  he  is 
My  measures  fit ;  or  good  or  ill  befall, 
I'll  win  renown  by  acting  well  my  part ; 
But  nought  of  human  power  shall  bring  me  low  ; 
Ev'n  Jove's  dread  arm  must  wield  the  adverse  sword. 

He  ceas'd ;  his  herald  then  address'd  :  Go  thou, 
Davoust  command  yon  suburbs  quick  to  storm. 

The  herald  flew,  his  emperor's  will  reveal'd, 
And  straight  his  post  resum'd.     Davoust  the  while  directs 
Gudin,  Morand,  with  their  divisions  swift 
Against  the  suburb  ramparts  to  advance, 
Assail  their  roaring  tiers  with  bayonet  red, 
And  turn  their  deadly  fury  on  the  foe. 

Quick  either  chief  disposes  to  begin 
The  close  encounter ;  fast  they  prance  along 
Brigades,  firm  standing  under  iron  showers, 
When  this  Morand  to  Huard  gives  in  charge : 

See'st  thou  yon  ruin-dealing  mount  ?    Defer 
Not  to  reverse  his  thunderers  loud,  by  force 
Of  bayonet.     Every  moment  this  way  prone, 
They  toss  the  heads  of  Frenchmen  o'er  the  field. 
In  three  divisions  will  my  host  advance. 


282  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GEOTN. 

And  yours  the  fiery  battery  will  scale 
By  sudden  coup  de  main,  or  merit  shame ; 
While  Colbert,  and  Pajol,  on  each  side  rout 
The  infantry,  there  clamoring  to  secure 
The  pillars  of  the  war.     He  spoke,  and  turn'd 
To  guide  the  growing  conflict — moving  high, 
He  rode  in  sullen  majesty  along. 
When  Huard  through  his  train  arranging  speeds, 
Revealing  lessons  to  subordinate  grades, 
Exhorting  to  be  bold.     Soon  forward  move 
Through  death-pervaded  space  the  storming  powers, 
Closing  and  opening  as  befits  the  way 
Amidst  destructive  volleys  of  swift  globes 
Gregarious  whistling  grape,  and  bursting  bombs. 
Huard,  with  every  martial  virtue  fir'd, 
Feigns  to  ascend  the  bastions  with  his  steed, 
Then,  veering,  swift  as  lightning  darts  to  rear, 
High  brandishing  his  sabre  midst  the  storm, 
Inspiring  bravery  in  the  rushing  bands, 
And  loud  thus  to  his  officers  declaims  : 

Impel  \vho  dare  to  lag,  excite  the  bold ; 
Our  feat  shall  be  the  pride  of  this  red  day, 
Shall  give  our  sovereign  joy,  by  happy  change 
Of  battle's  aspect ;  all  our  host  rejoice, 
Butcher'd  so  long  by  this  far-rending  hill ! 

Then,  fierce  as  tigers  to  secure  their  prey, 
Rush  from  a  rural  gloom,  with  tusks  unveil'd, 
The  valiant  train  with  vigorous  shouts  ascend 
The  dangerous  bulwark,  midst  the  adverse  tide 
Of  fiery  arms,  swift-waving  swords,  and  spears, 
That  rag'd  tumultuous  to  oppose,  in  clouds 
Of  braying  steel ;  in  smoke  and  streaming  flames 
Encountering  dreadful :  first  discharged  their  tubes, 
Then  rush'd  amain  ;  bayonets  on  bayonets  clash'd ; 
Loud  ringing  sabres  flew  ;  wing'd  bullets  hiss'd ; 
Muskets  revers'd,  high  lifted,  ponderous  fell, 
Dispensing  death ;  foes  rush'd  on  foes  enrag'd, 
Thirsting  for  slaughter ;  mutual  vengeance  burn'd, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  283 

Terrific  butchery  toil'd,  hoarse  dying  groans 
Rose  midst  dread  clangor ;  horrible  uproar 
Deep  consternation,  and  wild  discord  reign'd 
O'er  bloody  prospect  wide  :  soon  Russia  flies 
At  the  foul  signal  of  retreat,  drove  out 
Defac'd  with  gory  wounds  from  the  trench'd  hill 
By  haughty  France ;  nor  ended  here  the  fray — 
On  either  wing,  tremendous  battle  sounds  : 

Where  Colbert  rul'd  a  night  of  clouds  o'erspread, 
Scarce  pierc'd  by  flash  of  arms,  disploding  dire ; 
His  banners  rent,  on  shatter'd  muskets  swung — 
Firm  stood  his  host,  like  Ocean's  storm-rack'd  shore 
Projected,  or  retir'd,  as  weak,  or  strong ; 
But  nought  decided ;  Huard  reinforc'd, 
With  half  his  .powers,  the  much-enduring  chief: 
Nor  wanting  rest  from  late  victorious  toil, 
They  rapid  join  their  kindred  bands  engag'd. 
A  war-like  host !  fast  blaz'd  their  levell'd  tubes ; 
Both  nations  send  fell  death  through  narrow  space, 
Thick  scattering  slaughter ;  the  long  fields  are  red 
With  blood  of  heroes ;  fierce  contention  grows 
And  horrid  shrieks  of  bleeding  mortals  rise. 
JSfow  draw  they  near,  protending  charge ;  then  aw'd 
By  the  close  terrors  slow  recoil,  and  pour 
Redoubled  volleys  through  the  sighing  air. 
But  Colbert,  with  impatience  to  subdue, 
Like  winged  whirlwind  hurried  through  the  lines, 
Where  discord  greatest  rag'd,  and  loud  exclaim'd : 

Frenchmen,  why  wait  ye  on  the  dreadful  field 
To  die  in  distant  combat,  or  why  fear  to  charge  ? 
Go  then,  revenge  your  mates,  that  slumber  pale, 
And  put  to  ceaseless  flight  by  bayonet  point 
Yon  hostile  host.     Swift  at  his  voice  they  fly 
Amain  through  deadly  iron  showers,  nor  pause 
But  headlong  rushing  with  sharp  bayonets  pois'd, 
Spread  consternation,  death  and  wounds  around. 
Such  fury  Russia  stands  not ;  fear  out-spreads 
Her  wings  of  darkness  o'er  the  scene ;  retreat 


284:  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES 

Commences,  with  wild  disarray,  and  ruinous  rout ; 
France  follows  close  behind,  like  torrent  floods 
In  harsh  uproar,  staining  her  arms  with  blood. 
So  sharks,  the  dreaded  rovers  of  the  deep, 
Dart  headlong  in  pursuit  of  scaly  tribes 
Through  ocean's  spacious  field,  by  hunger  nrg'd. 

The  Russians  from  their  bulwarks  .driv'n,  the  chiefs 
Recall  their  bands  to  occupy,  and  tarn 
Their  wide  destroying  force  against  the  powers 
"Whom  late  they  shielded  ;  sudden  deaf 'ning  peals 
Of  thundering  guns  imbowel'd  the  dun  air, 
And  volleyed  balls  far  wasting  orbits  tore 
Through  ranks,  that  on  Pajol  successful  warr'd ; 
These  fly  confused  before  the  deadly  blast, 
And  mourn  their  valor  vain.     Brave  Ney,  the  while. 
Floods  Russia's  right  with  ruin — Gudin  drives 
The  foe  before — Bruyere's  fleet  squadrons  wheel 
Victorious  through  the  war ;  the  heights  secure, 
"Where  Poniatowski  sixty  thunderers  thrones, 
And  shades  Borysthenes  with  iron  showers, 
Rending  the  bridge  that  links  the  Russian  host. 
Touchkoff  with  equal  rage  returns  the  storm  : 
From  fort  to  fort  balls  dart ;  the  space  between 
Sighs  at  their  speed  ;  they  in  mid  heaven  oppose 
With  dreadful  shock,  and  bound  along  the  clouds. 
Incessant  thunders  shake  the  region  round. 
Each  mount,  involv'd  in  smoke  and  flame,  appears 
Like  Sinai,  as  described  in  story  old, 
"When  God  alighted  from  His  Heaven,  inwrapp'd 
In  thunder-burthen'd  clouds,  to  give  his  law — 
The  mountain  trembled  at  his  touch,  inspir'd 
With  dread  intelligence  of  Nature's  King ; 
Fork'd  light'nings  angry  quivered  on  its  brow, 
And  deepening  roar  of  thunder  shook  the  globe. 

De  Tolly  far  descrying  the  sad  rout 
Of  what  his  right  consisted,  and  his  host 
In  evil  plight,  thus  with  his  chiefs :  Misfortune  comes, 
O  valiant  kindred !  with  depressive  mien 


THE   NArOLEAD.  285 


On  this  day's  toils,  and  dismal  sacrifice 

Of  many  a  Russian,  bold  and  brave  in  vain  ! 

The  fate,  O  heavens  !  which  quite  too  oft  attends 

Th'  opposers  of  Napoleon,  who  careers 

In  bloody  triumph  over  humbled  realms. 

But  thou,  fair  virtue's  friend,  the  foe  of  vice, 

"Well  know'st  his  merit,  and  if  he  deserve 

T'  enjoy  dominion  o'er  all  earthly  states. 

O  grant  to  wretched  Russia  happier  days  ! 

Though  undeserving  thy  benign  regard, 

She  erst  thy  gracious  providence  enjoyed. 

Our  barriers  all  are  forc'd  without  yon  town  ; 

Shall  we  then  seek  sad  shelter  in  retreat, 

Or  desperate  conflict  longer  try,  and  plunge 

Our  state  in  deeper  misery,  for  faint  hope 

Of  victory  ?     Flight  may  lead  to  conquest  soon, 

While  unavailing  valor  leads  to  death  : 

"We  hence  can  safe  withdraw  ;  Smolensko's  towers 

Will  long  obstruct  the  foe  —  until  our  bands 

Shall  have  advanc'd  beyond  this  ruinous  storm. 

Advise  what  measures  most  our  welfare  needs. 

So  spoke  the  chief  ;  and  Tornoif  thus  replied  : 

'Tis  wise  of  evils  to  select  the  least 
And  turn  ill  fortune  to  some  good  result  ; 
Still  glorying  in  our  fate,  or  foul,  or  fair. 
What  you  insinuate  has  my  full  assent  : 
To  make  retreat,  till  on  more  hopeful  ground, 
We  may  the  losses  of  this  day  retrieve. 
Good  angels  wipe  the  tears  by  Yirtue  shed  ; 
Fortune  not  always  frowns  upon  the  just  : 
This  mighty  hero  misery's  cup  may  drain, 
Supplied  by  Russian  arm  ;  his  France  may  hear 
Sad  story  of  her  sons,  and  mournful  weep 
O'er  robes  prepar'd  to  greet  their  glad  return  ; 
Because  they  slumber  cold  in  distant  lands, 
And  feel  no  guilty  triumph  in  our  woe. 

So  speaking,  all  the  chiefs  assent  declare, 
To  flee  the  fatal  foe.     De  Tolly  straight 


286  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Bids  Korff  o'er-cross,blood-stain'd  Borysthenes, 

And  quickly  with  redoubled  might  rebuff 

The  combat  from  Smolensko's  antique  towers ; 

There  .check  the  enemy,  till  the  army  main 

Is  safe  removed  beyond  the  battle's  rage  ; 

Then  following,  guard  its  rear ;  first  give  to  names 

The  war-worn  town,  that  for  destructive  toil 

The  foe  may  win  destruction ;  .harvest  meet 

From  deedly  seed !     He  ceas'd,  Korff  swiftly  rides 

Through  whizzing  tempest ;  his  division  leads 

In  fourfold  file,  o'er  Heaven-invading  bridge, 

Midst  goring  h  ail  of  balls.     Now  battle  shakes 

Smolensko's  base ;  her  shatter'd  bulwarks  blaze ; 

Darkness  and  thunder  awful  round  her  roll — 

France  under  the  dread  storm,  astounded  reels  ; 

But  all  her  thunderers  points  against  the  walls 

Disploding  ponderous  rock-destroying  showers 

Of  iron  globes,  while  thick  vast  ruins  fall 

As  leaves,  when  cold  winds  scream  through  faded  groves, 

While  autumn  lingers  near  pale  winter's  reign. 

Sol  from  the  bloody  prospect  turn'd  his  eye, 

And  left  the  bleeding  field  in  double  night. 

Toward  Bradichino  Touchkoff  soon  proceeds — 
Dochroff  for  Postilo  advances — Korff 
The  rear  war  slackens,  wraps  the  town  in  fire, 
Each  bridge  destroys  to  obstruct  pursuing  France, 
And  follows  with  brave  remnant.     Night  had  run 
Full  half  her  race,  and  now  the  French  prepare 
To  mount  the  breach  by  iron  tempests  torn  ; 
When  lo  !  the  fearful  passage  none  disputes  ; 
"No  guardian  warrior  breasts  th'  invading  tide. 
Disconsolate,  forlorn,  Smolensko  groans 
From  all  her  domes,  distain'd  with  patriot  gore, 
And  plunges  in  the  flames  ;  nor  will  survive 
The  agony  of  defeat.     Her  funeral  blaze 
High  streaming  through  the  vault  of  night,  appeared 
Like  huge  Vesuvius,  when  he  quaking  throws 
A  naming  ocean  heavenward,  and  illumes 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  287 

Far  countries  round  ;  France  forces  and  entreats 
To  save  her  mansions  ;  but  fast  decompos'd 
By  fierce  combustion,  quickly  is  transform 'd — 
Ah,  how  unlike  her  shape  in  better  days  ! 

Ere  Sol  forsook  th,e  fight,  proud  victory  bore 
The  Gallic  standards  high  ;  Napoleon  saw, 
And  prudent  thus  commands  :  Haxo  !  swift  bridge 
Borysthenes  beyond  yon  hill ;  for  soon 
The  foe  will  fly  the  field,  and  interpose 
That  stream  divested  of  o'er-arching  ways, 
To  interrupt  our  progress — his  defeat. 
Straight  from  his  presence  Haxo  fled — the  air 
Sigh'd  on  his  bending  plume,  as  prancing  high 
He  sought  his  bands,  and  led  them  to  fulfill 
His  Emperor's  mandate.    Soon  the  river  foams 
Beneath  the  lofty  road  of  war  ;  and  now, 
Like  dark  clouds  hurried  by  autumnal  winds, 
The  squadron'd  legions  o'er  his  bosom  glide, 
Forsaking  the  red  field  in  swift  pursuit 
Of  Russia's  army  ;  where  lie  thousands  pale, 
Of  shame  and  glory  heedless  ;  no  bright  sun 
Cheers  their  dark  hours  ;  no  sorrow  clouds  their  time, 
They  feel  not  Fortune's  frown,  nor  court  her  smiles. 
In  mingled  prospect  lie  the  small  and  great : 
Grabouski  there  forgets  his  Poland's  wrongs. 
On  gory  couch  prostrated,  wan  and  cold  ; 
Injustice  cannot  sting,  nor  Envy  harm  ; 
He  minds  not  Ruin's  spear  ;  the  fame  he  sought 
In  Peril's  jaws,  and  studious  midnight  hours 
No  more  concerns — the  toys  of  life  ne'er  haunt 
The  silent  grave  ;  for  him  the  poor  will  mourn 
Whom  awful  Virtue  thron'd  o'er  Fortune's  power — 
Who  meekly,  greatly  liv'd,  and  nobly  died 
Guiding  the  storm  of  combat — heaven  recall'd 
From  the  same  charity  that  mov'd  his  breast. 

There,  ghastly,  prone  on  crimson  earth,  and  stiff 
In  death's  eternal  slumber,  Minot  ends — 
His  eyes  and  arms  inflame  the  war  no  more — 


288  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES    GENIN. 

In  days  of  peace  he  strove  with  lofty  zeal 

For  civil  glory  and  the  good  of  man. 

In  time  of  war  no  toils  nor  dangers  turn'd 

His  course  from  victory  or  deserv'd  renown. 

So  Liedot  graces  the  red  plain,  deform'd — 

His  youthful  bloom,  and  rosy  beauty  chill'd 

Has  ceas'd  to  please — his  bosom  heaves  no  more 

At  battle's  clangor  panting  to  excel ; 

!Nor  feeds  his  mind  on  science'  sacred  charms, 

That  once  delighted  all  his  peaceful  hours, 

And  rais'd  his  soul  above  all  vulgar  themes — 

That  mighty  mind  is  lost  to  human  race, 

Untimely  sped  from  life's  uncertain  stage — 

Let  Virtue  mourn  her  votary's  early  fall, 

With  choicest  flowerets  grace  his  humble  tomb, 

And  from  oblivion  his  example  save. 

And  prostrate  there  Laroul  in  blood  abides  ; 

A  champion  bold,  who  knew  of  nought  he  fear'd, 

But  want  of  strength  to  wield  the  conquering  sword. 

Through  many  troubles  had  he  pass'd,  and  long 

O'er  perils  triumph'd,  in  the  dreadful  fields 

Of  Jena,  Acre,  Lodi,  Austerlitz 

And  red  Marengo — death  o'ertakes  him  now, 

Clay  cold,  unconscious  mingles  with  the  dust ; 

His  country's  hope  and  foeman's  dread  no  more. 

Thus  myriads  perish'd  in  the  hideous  fray, 
'And  heap'd  the  field  with  mountains  spouting  gore, 
And  uttering  cries  that  bard  can  never  sing. 

On  Yoluntina  now  harsh  Discord  roars — 
"Ney  's  close  on  KorfF's  embattled  ranks,  as  waves 
On  some  dismasted  fleet,  that  haply  floats 
Floundering  before  earth-racking  wind,  and  sheath 
In  man  their  bayonets  ;  horrid  Conflict  shakes 
His  gorgon  head,  that  shakes  the  ample  field. 
Each  gonfalon,  high-streaming,  seems  a  sail, 
In  whirlwinds  bounding  over  waves  of  steel. 
Korff  plunges  through  the  bristling  tide,  surpris'd 
By  sudden  onset ;  undejected  still, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  289 

He  bids  Rajefski  breast  the  furious  war, 
While  on  a  neighboring  hill,  his  forces  main 
Deploy,  and  with  his  left  conjoin'd,  attain 
Position  meet  to  turn  the  deadly  blast. 

To  shield  the  movement  brave  Rajefski  rides 
Behind  his  staggering  troops,  and  thus  declaims  : 

Soldiers  !  stand  firm.     To  you  the  honor  's  giv'n 
To  prove  our  army's  bulwark.     Soon  the  foe 
Will  mourn  his  rashness,  when  from  yonder  mount 
Our  park  shall  sweep  his  legions  hell  ward.    Stand, 
Or  falls  your  country  !     Lives  there  one  so  mean 
As  would  survive  her  ruin  ?     Warriors,  hear  ! 
Let  him  prove  recreant  and  be  Russia's  foe  ! 

Thus  he ;  and  seem'd  the  genius  of  the  storm  ; 
Nor  less  than  Russia's  shield,  or  rock  of  war 
That  stopp'd  the  hostile  ocean  dashing  dire. 
He  saw  foul  Havoc  crush  full  half  his  train  ; 
Still  none  retreated  ;  the  torn  remnant  gor'd 
.Ney's  thickest  cloud,  till  in  position  strong 
Their  comrades  thunder'd  on  the  darkening  field  ; 
Then,  order'd,  they  retired.     De  Tolly  hears 
The  growing  conflict — bids  Touchkoif,  Eugene, 
With  their  divisions  aid  the  struggling  rear. 
They  swift  retrace  their  road  of  flight ;  and  now 
Davoust  o'erspreads  the  field  with  num'rous  bands, 
And  loudly  answers  Russia's  roaring  tiers. 
Murat's  vast  cavalry  fill  the  ample  plain — 
Part  mix  in  war,  part  wait  momentous  hour 
To  make  the  charge  victorious.     Karpoif  hurls 
A  deadly  tempest  on  the  squadrons  thick, 
That  bound  like  troubled  waves.     Careering  proud, 
Murat  along  the  steed-borne  army  flies, 
(Far  recogniz'd  by  snowy  plume  he  wears) 
And  Grouchy  thus  bespeaks  :  Lead  thy  fleet  train 
On  yonder  infantry — dart  through — obstruct 
That  thundering  park.     He  ceas'd,  brave  Grouchy  speeds 
Around  his  troops  ;  till  rang'd  in  order  due, 
His  thousands  guides  in  gallop  on  the  foe 
19 


290  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Through  murky  space,  and  iron  whistling  shower — 

He  headlong  rushes  into  bristling  squares 

O'er  broken  men  and  arms  ;  long  ranks  give  way, 

Confus'd  and  frighten'd,  to  the  hideous  charge ; 

As  flexile  reeds,  or  slender  corn,  assail'd 

By  unrelenting  tempests,  fury-wing'd, 

Break,  bend,  and  sigh,  beneath  their  boundless  rage. 

Touchkoff  this  saw,  advancing  fast  to  aid 
Beleaguer'd  Karpoff ;  sudden  comes  his  host 
With  brandish'd  arms.    And  now,  as  flaming  stars, 
Deep  in  the  void,  from  gravity  enstrang'd, 
Toward  each  other  rush  with  angry  air, 
To  ruin  dashing  their  conflicting  orbs, 
Meet  the  contending  powers — plunging  midst  death — 
Thick  gleaming  sabres  ring  in  horrid  clash  ; 
Sparks  from  the  attrition  fly — tremendous  shouts 
Rend  the  dark  heavens,  and  groans  the  passive  ground, 
With  streaming  crimson  stain'd  ;  Discord  unveils 
Her  frightful  visage  ;  fury,  terror,  wounds, 
Confusion  wild,  and  stern  encounter  grows — 
Horses,  wild  staggering,  tumble  round,  aghast 
Their  riders,  lopt  of  limbs,  recline ;  fast  whelm'd 
By  waves  of  fight,  thick  crowding  o'er,  they  sink, 
Where  crush'd  by  hoofe  of  steeds,  they  gasp  in  death, 
And  endless  darkness  veils  their  fearful  eyes. 

The  while  Davoust  directs  Grudiii  to  sweep 
Korff  from  his  haughty  post.     The  brave  man  leads 
His  bold  division  on,  to  lead  no  more ! 
The  dark  air  groan'd,  as  burthen'd  with  his  doom, 
While  high  the  warrior  moved,  proclaiming  loud  : 
Companions  in  renown  !  to  us  'tis  given 
Before  thrice  thirty  thousand  French,  to  prove 
Our  valor,  and  new  face  the  field  :  Behold  ! 
What  myrtle  harvest  for  your  victor  arms  ! 
Rush  then  resistless,  seize  the  glorious  prize — 
Be  what  ye  were,  when,  in  more  direful  storm, 
You  swept  the  foe  from  fall'n  Smolensko's  shield  ! 

He  spoke,  advancing  fast  through  iron  shower — 


THE    NAPOLEAD.  291 

A  thirsty  ball  impatient  rends  the  air 
And  Gudin's  heart.     He  reeling  lifeless  falls 
Before  his  rushing  train,  that  instant  paus'd, 
While  filial  sighs  from  warrior  bosoms  burst : 
Through  the  stern  ranks  dejecting  Rumor  ran, 
And  told,  the  son  of  victory  was  no  more. 
Fame's  trumpet  sudden  dolorous  sounded  far 
through  legions  gather 'd  on  the  verge  of  fight, 
Revealing  Gallic  wo,  and  Gudin's  fall. 
Collected  vengeance  now  lowers  dark  to  burst 
In  stormy  combat  on  the  Russian  host. 
Murat  with  lion  rage,  careers  above 
The  iron  forest  on  a  lofty  steed, 

With  sword  high  brandish'd  midst  the  waxing  gloom, 
And  loud  exhorts  inferior  chiefs  around  : 
Why  stand  ye  idle  this  eventful  hour, 
When  Jove  in  doubtful  balance  holds  the  fate 
Of  this  important  day  ?     Or  vainly  hie 
Behind  the  fight  upon  your  flying  steeds, 
And  deedless  view  the  tide  of  horror  rise  ? 
The  swelling  mountains  of  your  Frenchmen  dead  ! 
When  timely  ardor  by  your  force  inspir'd, 
Might  rout  the  foe,  and  shortly  stop  the  strife, 
Who  stand  sublimely  brave,  nor  seem  to  fear, 
Though  our  artillery  sweep  whole  bands  away ; 
And  cavalry  bold  with  whirlwind  fury  charge, 
Breaking  long  lines,  whose  bruis'd  remains  renew 
The  deathful  toil,  and  sternly  wait  their  doom. 
Quick  then  excite  the  troops,  nor  slothful  yield 
Th'  event  of  this  great  combat  to  the  slow 
Impulse  of  duty  :  Admiration  tread 
In  all  your  steps !  fly  swift  where  honor  calls — 
Disdain  to  reap  the  praise  without  the  toil ! 
So  speaking,  all  the  chiefs  the  same  enjoin 
On  sub-commanders  ;  swift  the  spirit  flies 
Of  courage  stern,  from  grade  to  grade,  as  lightning  sprung 
From  glooomy  bellowing  clouds,  illumes  the  void ; 
And  thus  they  speak :  What  glories  wait  this  day, 


292  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Or  black  disgrace  !  for  now  no  giant  towers, 
"No  pre-establish'd  rampart  shrouds  the  foe — • 
Be  not  our  cowardice,  or  sloth,  his  shield ! 
Who  then  shall  shrink,  regardless  of  our  fame, 
And  not  be  levell'd  with  the  gasping  slain  ? 
Or,  if  immediate  justice  not  o'ertake, 
Be  high  expos'd,  where  scorn  shall  point  her  wand 
To  curse  his  load  of  life,  and  conduct  past. 
Forget  not,  Frenchmen,  jour  renown'd  exploits. 
Know,  yonder  foes  yon  conquer'd  oft  before, 
When  they  excell'd  in  numbers,  and  fierce  plung'd, 
Of  battle  satiate,  on  their  bleeding  rear. 

Now  shudders  Earth  beneath  the  laboring  war  ; 
Thrice  sixty  thousand  meet,  conflicting  dire — • 
The  volleyed  thunder  heaven's  high  concave  rends ; 
Dark  rolling  clouds  exclude  the  day ;  by  fits, 
A  strong  wind  sweeps  the  field  of  clouds,  and  shows 
Th'  Earth-shaking  battle  flaming,  thundering  far. 
Davoust  fast  rends  the  field  with  hundred  guns 
Of  huge  dimensions,  hurling  grape  and  ball 
Thick  as  descending  hail  or  flakes  of  snow, 
When  icy  winter  tumbles  from  the  skies  : 
The  glimmering  bands  before  their  rage  decay  ; 
Disdain  they  to  recede,  nor  dare  advance — 
But  bleeding  stand  amidst  the  hideous  storm 
Disgorging  deadly  shower.     Murat  in  front 
Conducts  his  fleet  array  on  bristling  groves, 
Which  reek  with  gore ;  impetuous,  sanguine,  bold, 
He  plunges  through  the  storm  ;  fierce  combat  burns 
Thrice  dreadful  where  he  moves ;  example  great ! 
A  valorous  king !  His  lofty  plume,  half  shorn 
By  whizzing  globes  thick  ranging  princes  o'er, 
Still  mark'd  him  bounding  through  the  raging  war. 
Beauharnois  near,  impels  the  tide  of  fight, 
Which  round  him  swells  tumultuous,  dark'ning  deep. 
Eussia  recoils,  faint  reeling,  midst  the  flood 
Of  ponderous  rushing  cavalry  ;  great  Eugene 
Darts  through  the  storm  to  rouse  the  drooping  host : 


THE    NAPOLEAD.  293 

Korff,  Skallon,  Balla,  on  like  errand  ride 
Close  on  the  raging  ranks  with  tempest  speed, 
And  words  like  these  from  either  chief  are  heard  : 

This  is  the  field  deem'd  sacred  by  our  sires ; 
Whence,  erst,  back  roll'd  the  tide  of  war ;  repell'd 
By  Russian  valor :  Be  it  not  renown'd, 
That  we  first  let  pollution  pass  this  ground — 
'Twere  odious  precedence,  and  damning  fame. 
Russians,  stand  firm — this  great  occasion  calls 
Your  utmost  might ;  Religion,  Vengeance,  Love 
Forbid  defeat — the  loss  of  things  adored — 
Our  altars,  fire-sides,  monarchy  and  name  ! 
To  us  our  country  looks  with  anxious  eyes  j 
In  us  her  safety  is  repos'd ;  then  prove 
Worthy  of  confidence ;  her  losses  past 
Retrieve,  avenge  her  injuries  on  the  foe — 
Th?  audacious  spoiler  of  our  peace,  and  cause 
Of  countless  miseries  to  extensive  realms. 
What  aggravated  shame  on  those  attends, 
Who  suffer  overthrow  in  native  land  ; 
Where  all  things  sacred  to  the  patriot  soul 
Should  kindle  ardor  to  repel,  which  burns 
In  Peril's  jaws,  nor  cools  this  side  the  grave. 
Have  we  not  more  incentives  to  contend 
Than  those  intruders,  who  have  nought  to  lose, 
But  the  drear  glory  of  their  haughty  lord  ? 
Then  teach  the  enemy  soon,  though  loth  to  learn, 
That  Russians  dare  to  die,  though  fortune  frown 
On  their  endeavors,  and  exalt  their  foe. 

Korff  headlong  midst  thick  cloud  of  combat  plung'd 
O'er  yielding  ranks,  with  shriek  and  uproar  wild — 
"  Rush  on  brave  troop,"  he  cries,  "  your  general  leads  :  " 
Infuriate  they  pursue  with  flaming  arms ; 
Like  whirlwind,  midst  the  adverse  nation  wheel — 
But  soon  rebound,  by  deadly  torrent  driven — 
Korff,  pale,  lies  victim  of  all-conquering  death, 
The  songs  of  hope  scarce  sounding  in  his  ears  ; 
Great  kings  and  empires  swim  before  his  eyes, 


294  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  round  him  spreads  the  spectre-peopled  world. 

His  troops  dishearten'd  fly  the  war,  and  swift 

Through  all  the  field  commences  wild  retreat 

Of  Russia's  legions ;  France  hangs  on  their  rear 

With  weapons  lifted  to  rebathe  in  blood. 

So  tigers  from  the  fiercer  lion  run — 

So  chaff,  or  smoke,  before  the  tempest  flies. 

~Now  day  retires — the  chiefs  bid  cease  pursuit. 
Swift  as  night  flies  the  sun  the  order  spread 
Through  all  the  host ;  but  Fury  rul'd  the  fray — 
Insatiate  of  wide  slaughter  fierce  she  strode, 
While  wounds,  and  death,  and  terror  swell'd  before 
Each  leader,  bent  to  quell  the  soldiers'  rage, 
Darting  like  whirlwind  midst  th'  opposing  hosts, 
Stalk'd  high,  with  brandislrd  sword  forbidding  strife ; 
While  here,  and  there,  the  bands  forget  their  wrath 
Till  all  surcease  in  crooked  line,  far  stretch'd, 
And  scatter'd  wide,  like  ocean  weed,  or  foam 
Stranded  on  some  long  coast  by  high-swoln  tides. 

Selected  bands  surviving  wounded  bear 
From  gory  beds,  where  midst  the  storm  of  fight 
Machaon's  sons  had  stanch'd  their  gushing  blood. 
Some  wail  their  destiny  and  torturing  wounds, 
Griev'd  for  the  past,  and  of  the  future  'fraid. 
Some  writh'd  by  pain,  immediate  death  implore, 
Of  all  things  heedless  but  the  quiet  grave. 
Some  oft  repeat  the  well-rernember'd  names 
Of  parents,  sisters,  lovers,  wives  and  friends 
Their  fall  might  bring  to  wretchedness  and  want : 
As  poor  Lerault  lamented  near  his  tomb, 
In  dismal  converse  with  a  suffering  peer. 
Ah  mournful  date  !  he  cries,  for  this  I  left 
My  peaceful  home  close  bordering  on  the  Rhine. 
Contented,  there  I  liv'd,  of  swains  approv'd — 
A  fond  domestic  train  inspir'd  my  breast 
With  soft  affection,  ocean  great  of  joy ! 
They  sooth'd  my  woes,  if  any  woes  were  mine. 
A  lovely  spouse,  the  fairest  of  the  fair, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  295 

With  every  charm  that  waits  a  virtuous  niind — 
A  blooming  daughter,  and  an  infant  son, 
Dependent  on  my  aid — ah !  much  I  fear 
Their  happiness  must  perish  with  their  sire : 
Frail  orphans  ill  can  brave  th'  ungrateful  world. 
I  see  misfortune  chill  their  early  bloom ; 
Some  careless  guardian  give  their  tender  years 
To  base  employ,  in  shade  of  cold  neglect, 
While  their  lorn  mother  unavailing  weeps. 
Too  late  I  blame  my  fondness  for  renown 
Of  dangerous  toil.     O  cruel  fate  !  must  death 
Thus  terminate  my  hopes ;  this  frame  resolve 
With  the  cold  earth,  its  vital  spirit  flown, 
That  once  beat  high  to  glory,  and  no  more 
Delight  or  grieve,  or  feel  reproach,  or  praise, 
Or  walk  with  festive  friends  my  native  land, 
To  hear  the  narrative  of  hoary  age, 
And  teach  my  gentle  offspring  virtue's  ways ; 
Which,  Hope  has  said,  would  be  my  bliss,  when  freed 
From  toils  of  war,  reposing  on.  high  fame  ? 
So  human  prospects  vanish  :  Hope's  fall  wave 
Breaks  on  death's  shore,  in  cold  oblivious  gloom  ; 
Man's  generations  in  succession  roll 
To  that  dark  limit,  and  are  known  no  more  ! 
Disconsolate  he  speaks  ;  and  thus  Labeur : 
The  grave  is  opening ;  all  the  doleful  way 
TJnveil'd  before  me  lies — distressful  thoughts 
Might  pain  my  latest  life ;  but  e'er  resign'd 
To  steadfast  fate,  they  harmless  pass  me  o'er, 
I  have  dear  relatives  that  need  my  aid : 
A  pious  mother,  venerable  and  poor, 
My  kind  controller  in  my  youthful  years ; 
For  whom  with  filial  zeal  I  long  have  toil'd — 
And  a  fond  spouse,  whose  sweet  attention  charms 
The  soul  to  grateful  transport,  and  unloads 
The  mind  of  half  its  woes :  Oft  have  I  said 
Labeur  has  greater  woes  than  most  of  men, 
Forever  struggling  with  misfortune's  flood. 


296  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENE*. 

Alas  !  they  soon  will  end :  fell  Ruin  points 

At  my  sad  being  her  inveterate  darts  ; 

E'en  now  strange  scenes,  and  other  worlds  appear  ; 

Their  forms  decay  that  bind  me  on  time's  shore. 

Fear  not,  frail  twain,  the  years  to  come ;  for  though 

The  proud  neglect,  God  ne'er  forsakes  the  poor. 

As  thus  they  convers'dy  on  the  ground  reclin'd, 
Lemair,  though  dying,  thus  jocosely  speaks : 

And  fear  ye  then  to  die  ?     Such  dismal  strain 
Two  aged  maids  might  utter  fraught  with  spleen, 
!Nbt  warriors  resting  on  the  gory  field — 
Who  should  not  fail  of  courage  to  lie  down. 
Perhaps  ye  came  not  here  to  seek  a  bed ; 
Yet  many  a  year  in  undisturb'd  repose 
Ye  will  this  land  encumber,  and  perhaps 
Have  pleasant  dreams  of  fame  this  day  acquired. 

In  various  mood  the  wounded  thus  employ 
Life's  remnant,  sinking  into  death's  cold  arms, 
Midst  hills  of  slain.     Strewn  o'er  the  bloody  scene 
Two  of  distinguish'd  name  the  muse  descries : 
Skallon,  the  pride  of  camps,  the  soldier's  sire, 
The  dauntless  patriot,  who  erst  vow'd  no  foe 
Should  pass  the  sacred  field,  but  o'er  hi&  corpse  ; 
And  Balla,  dreadful  midst  the  files  of  fight, 
Of  equal  zeal  and  firmness ;  like  some  oak, 
That  shielded  forests  with  its  giant  arms, 
Thrown  down  by  tempest  on  the  crackling  grove, 
Leaving  wide  blank  on  high,  the  hero  fell 
Amidst  his  falling  ranks,  while  Russia  sighed, 
And  droop'd  her  battle,  of  its  crest  bereav'd. 

The  combat  past,  Napoleon  o'er  the  field 
Rides  with  attendant  suite  :  Rapp,  Caulincourt, 
Lauriston  and  Duroc ;  who  round  him  shine 
With  port  majestic,  and  attentive  mien. 
Before,  on  steed  of  light,  Minerva  mov'd, 
By  none  beheld..     "  Great  feats  of  arms  impress 
This  ground,"  remarked  the  monarch :  "  Folly's  toil ! 
Exclaim'd  the  goddess,  flaming  on  his  view 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  297 

With  mournful  dignity,  and  mild  disdain, 

u  Which  fools  approve,  which  vica  incites  :  O  when 

Will  mortals  learn,  that  innocence  is  praise, 

Forever  young,  while  fame  of  warlike  deeds 

Decays  with  vice,  contention's  deadly  spring  ! 

When  her  dark  reign  expires,  let  men  of  blood 

!Nb  more  expect  acclaim.     When  virtuous  peace 

Toward  them  shall  look  with  pity,  or  with  scorn, 

From  universal  throne,  will  they  not  be 

Pre-eminent  in  shame,  and  wish  to  plunge 

Beneath  oblivion's  waves  to  hide  their  state — 

As  heroes  once,  but  now  as  evils  view'd  ? 

Ere  twice  five  hundred  years  from  Faustus'  birth 

How  chang'd  will  be  the  world !     When  those  whose  blood 

And  toil  feed  murderous  war,  shall  all  be  taught 

Their  rights  and  duties,  will  they  then  permit 

Arch  rulers  to  destroy  them  as  in  sport, 

And  bleed,  that  chiefs  may  get  Athenian  praise, 

And  find  no  rational  means  to  end  disputes  ? 

Know,  worthy  fame  ha&  an  immortal  base, 

Immutable  and  firm  'midst  wreck  of  realms, 

The  change  of  customs  and  the  fall  of  power ; 

In  times  most  evil  it  commands  regard  ; 

'  Tis  virtue's  throne,  where  Justice  guardian  stands  ; 

It  gleams  on  vicious  ages,  as  the  sun 

Shines  on  the  earth,  when  clouds  obscure  the  sky  ; 

And  like  him,  cloudless,  beams  on  days  of  truth. 

As  vice  it's  own  correctives  bears  'twill  come, 

When  the  heal'd  moral  frame  will  marvel  much 

That  splendid  wickedness  was  e'er  revered, 

Or  deeds  of  blood  deem'd  worthy  of  applause. 

Yice  to  herself  applies  the  scourge  :  Thy  power, 

Which  shakes  the  guilty  nations,  ill  employed, 

Itself  destroys  :  While  borne  on  error's  tide 

The  nations  sail,  if  thou  must  with  them  run, 

O  do  not  urge  their  speed  in  courses  wrong  ! 

Shall  those  to  whom  '  tis  given  to  bless  mankind, 

Abuse  their  trust  for  wild  Ambition's  lore. 


298  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    G~ENIN. 

"Whose  ill-directed  efforts  bring  reproach, 
Nor  dread  the  justice  of  insulted  Heaven  ?" 

As  thus  she  speaks,  griev'd  at  the  gory  scene, 
The  Emperor  signs  assent ;  but  to  the  sound 
Of  martial  music,  and  the  nattering  smile 
Of  present  victory,  swell  his  passions  high 
For  conquest,  false  renown,  and  fiery  clouds 
Swift  interrupt  his  view  of  Wisdom's  charms  : 
Ambition,  in  her  stead,  beside  him  rode 
On  blazing  steed,  proud  champing  scepter'd  curb ; 
And  other  thrones,  she  cries,  shall  to  thee  bow, 
Or  own  thy  guidance — other  countries  feel 
Thy  man-exalting  influence  ;  but  why  mourn, 
In  victory's  arms,  the  fate  of  human  kind  ? 
War  shakes  the  moral,  storms  the  natural  world, 
Alike  devoted  to  the  good  and  ill. 
Grant  vice  the  cause — can  we  the  cause  remove  ? 
If  war  must  burn,  why  we  not  guide  its  rage  ? 
The  surgeon  bleeds  a  man,  the  king  a  realm, 
To  forward  healthy  action,  and  to  save. 
The  cause  remov'd,  th'  effect  will  shock  no  more. 
The  sound  require  not  the  physician's  aid. 
It  is  conceded  Vice  herself  annoys  ; 
Her  offspring,  war,  is  her  main  punishment, 
Conducting  which,  serve  we  not  Virtue's  cause  ? 
How  oft  have  warriors  had  celestial  aid 
By  Hebrew  story  ?     E'en  thyself;  high  Jove 
To  thee  imparts  the  rule  of  many  thrones  ; 
Inspires  with  genius,  arms  with  power,  and  gives 
To  move  victorious  o'er  the  guilty  world  ; 
Would  he  aught  sanction  that  promoted  ill  ? 
What  evil  may  Timidity  forbode 
In  garb  of  Prudence  !     If  Heaven  on  thee  war 
Thy  part  may  still  be  glorious  ;  bearing  woe 
With  passive  valor,  and  unyielding  mind, 
Has  eq'ial  honor  to  successful  war. 
My  counsel  then  cannot  have  evil  end 
Provoking  sad  misfortune,  as  that  fair 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  299 

So  lately  fled  thy  presence  durst  assert, 

Who  blames  presumption,  while  she  most  presumes. 

Sure,  gold  or  thrones  shall  not  move  honor's  scale — 

She  e'en  attempts  to  scan  the  will  of  Jove, 

Futurity's  dark  wild  explore,  to  prove 

(What  faith  discredits)  Virtue  insincere 

When  exercis'd  in  punishment  of  Vice  ! 

Thus  she  ;  The  Chief  replies  :  I  sought  renown 
No  more  in  war  than  peace  ;  her  tranquil  shade 
Had  baneful  influence  on  my  envied  throne  ; 
Yet  all  my  battles  have  been  fought  for  her, 
And  to  her  use  I  give  the  spoils  of  war. 
When  England,  humbled,  shall  provoke  no  more, 
Blithe  Industry  shall  lead  the  dance  of  joy 
In  gay  prosperity  ;  the  laurel' d  head 
Of  renerable  Science  living  light 
Diffuse  ;  the  Muses  clustering  splendors  weave ; 
The  pencil  rival  nature  ;  sacred  laws 
Guard  justice,  arid  the  fabric  of  man's  bliss 
Be  co-extensive  with  my  great  domain — 
A  grand  memorial  that  Napoleon  was  ! 

Thus  he,  careering  o'er  the  doleful  field 
Midst  groans  of  wounded,  shouts  of  shatter'd  lines 
That  hail  his  coming  with  presented  arms. 
To  every  band,  and  each  distinguished  chief, 
He  grants  the  meed  deserv'd,  while  myriads  joy'd, 
And  wish'd  in  other  fights  to  please  their  lord. 

Now  Sol  had  sunk  far  o'er  th'  Atlantic  waves, 
And  streak'd  the  horizon  of  the  west  with  fire 
Of  farewell  beams — the  dusky  car  of  night 
Ascended  orient  climes,  approaching  fast 
In  sable  pomp — war's  hideous  face  was  veil'd  ; 
The  host  embrac'd  the  balmy  power  of  sleep, 
Except  the  wakeful  sentinel,  walking  slow, 
All  the  long  night  to  guard  the  slumbering  camp. 


BOOK    IV. 


ANALYSIS. 

In  the  night  following  the  battle,  the  anxiety  of  Napoleon  disturbing  Ins 
slumbers,  he  rises,  makes  a  soliloquy,  and  again  retires  to  rest;  while 
Fear  summons  her  train  and  directs  them  to  pervade  the  Russian  camp. 
Which  done,  De  Tolly,  after  a  consultation  with  his  officers,  continues  to 
retreat  during  the  night ;  while  Chimera  is  addressed  by  Disquietude, 
respecting  a  dream  for  Napoleon.  Chimera  decrees  what  shall  be  presented 
to  him,  which  a  Vigil  is  charged  to  convey  to  his  mind.  He  performs  the 
mission.  The  Emperor  awaking  remarks  its  influence — has  an  interview 
with  his  marshals,  and  learning  the  direction  of  the  retreat  of  the  Russians, 
pursues  them  with  his  army. 

SLUMBERING  the  mighty  chief  of  nations  lay 
In  his  distinguish' d  tent ;  his  warriors  round 
Enjoying  soft  repose  forgot  the  hours  ; 
But  he  was  mov'd  by  soul-corroding  care, 
And  doubts,  prevailing  in  his  troubled  breast. 

'  Twas  midnight's  peaceful  hour  ;  th'  unwearied  world 
In  darkness  roll  d  beneath  far  twinkling  stars, 
Which  gild  night's  throne  ;  bright  oracles  of  God  ! 
That  lead  the  mind  in  contemplation  deep 
Till  reason  in  immensity  expires. 
The  drowsy  camp  muttered  somnific  sounds  : 
Th5  unharness'd  steeds  neigh'd  to  the  echoing  hills, 
Disturbing  oft  calm  Silence'  pensive  reign 
Who  in  lone  cells  and  night-invested  fields 
Conducts  the  mind  to  nature  and  to  truth. 

The  lamps  were  dim  with  age,  and  feebly  shed 
Unwelcome  radiance  on  reflecting  robes 
That  grac'd  the  royal  tent,  when  wak'd  by  cares, 
Rose  from  his  downy  couch  th'  aspiring  king  : 
His  mien  bespoke  the  hero  and  the  seer ; 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  301 

And  musing  of  his  state,  thus  talks  alone : 

-  In  night's  dark  silence  sober  thoughts  invade  v 

The  breasts  of  kings,  depressive  of  their  pride. 

The  gloomy  scowl  of  yonder  heaven,  the  stars, 

Which  distant  shed  a  doubtful,  glimmering  light 

In  the  dark  vault,  and  chilling  winds,  that  breathe 

On  hills  austere,  moving  the  rustling  leaves, 

In  solemn  hour  invite  to  nature's  court 

My  burdened  soul ;  no  flatterers  there  it  finds  : 

"  Thy  race  will  soon  be  run,"  some  voice  exclaims, 

"  Thou  with  thy  pompous  myriads  must  descend 

And  be  no  more,  while  nature  glorious  shines, 

Heedless  of  mortal  deeds  ;  or  great  or  small ; 

Whose  fame  shall  please  not  the  cold  mouldering  corse, 

Its  spirit  quench'd  in  death's  eternal  night." 

Alas  !  how  irksome  this  pursuit  of  fame ; 
This  sublunary  power,  and  transient  throne, 
Or  held  by  lineage  high,  or  bravely  won  : 
Though  mine  the  partial  voice  of  millions  gave, 
I  hold  it  of  less  worth  than  most  of  men  ; 
For  miserable  is  all  this  gorgeous  pomp, 
Compared  with  the  poor  peasant's  unconcern  ; 
But  small  (oh,  fate  of  pride  !)  is  all  the  peasant's  bliss 
To  glory's  deathless  light,  immortal  fame  ! 
Which  providence  has  doom'd  me  to  pursue 
On  wings  of  war,  o'er  floods  of  human  gore. 
Sad  mean,  and  hurtful  to  my  peace  of  soul ! 
Too  frequent  wounded,  oft  I  thus  exclaim  : 
"  Admired  philosophers  and  bards  of  old, 
Who  with  increasing  splendor  walk  with  time, 
Diffusing  virtue's  seeds  through  every  age, 
In  human  breasts  awaking  heavenly  fires ; 
Much  would  I  joy  to  tread  your  honor'd  road, 
So  bright  with  charms  divine,  and  guiltless  fame ; 
There  blest  with  peace,  with  competence  and  health,  ^ 
Far  from  fool-dazzling  pomp  and  troubling  cares, 
In  mild,  yet  lofty  state,  my  days  should  pass." 

But  now,  my  course  ordain'd,  when  deeds  of  kings 


302*          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN". 

• 

And  heroes  of  old  time  before  me  rise, 

Conscious  that  man,  through  ages  long,  admires 

Them  as  supreme  of  mortals,  burns  my  breast 

In  emulation  bold ;  all  sober  thoughts 

Philosophy  inspires  forthwith  depart 

Their  native  seat :  the  fragrant  blooming  grove, 

And  shady  bower,  at  Fame's  loud  summons  fly 

My  ravish'd  sight ;  Hope,  Yalor,  Glory  stir 

The  impatient  soul ;  my  hand  spontaneous  grasps 

Th'  assuring  sword  ;  armies  I  hail  and  crowns, 

And  spectres  of  the  mighty  dead  appear. 

Thus  mov'd,  I  conquer'd  kingdoms,  and  attain'd 

This  high  pre-eminence ;  saw  potentates, 

Princedoms,  dominions,  realms,  and  mighty  thrones, 

Before  my  banners  cower ;  vast  armies  rise 

Obsequious  to  my  will,  of  matchless  force, 

And  distant  nations  court  my  kind  regard. 

Ah !  had  this  fortune  sweet  contentment  given, 

My  toil  had  been  repaid  :  but  thou,  Henown, 

Shalt  tell  in  future  times  of  all  my  deeds, 

And  to  my  name  unceasing  tribute  pay  ; 

"Which  as  through  long  revolving  years  it  glides, 

Shall,  like  huge  rivers  deep'ning  as  they  flow, 

Increase  in  praise,  till  Earth  shall  be  no  more  ! 

But  what  uncertainty  clouds  Fortune's  march  ! 
How  feeble  the  support  of  human  trust ! 
Misfortunes  great  may  lie  before,  conceal'd 
From  human  prescience.     Prone  on  Niemen's  bank 
My  courser  fell — I  saw  the  giant  storm, 
In  shape  of  ancient  hero  arm'd,  that  burst 
As  Alexander's  or  a  Caesar's  rage, 
Or  Homer's  mighty  spirit  were  its  soul, 
Me  paralyzing  :  When  Intrigue,  ere  while, 
Presum'd  to  caution  of  my  dubious  state, 
I  ill  receiv'd  her  lore  ;  but  sure  her  tongue 
He-echoed  history's  voice — and  might  instruct 
To  shun  the  perils  frowning  on  my  course. 

Unpleasant  seem  my  prospects  :  What  to  urge 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  303 

Decisive  combat,  and  victorious  move 
To  the  proud  acme  of  this  great  campaign, 
And  shield  my  myriads  from  the  wintery  storms  ; 
Pondering,  I  lose  calm  sleep's  refection  kind, 
A  victim  to  anxiety  and  care. 

So  speaks  Napoleon ;  then  the  maps  unfolds, 
Which  all  the  Russian  clime  display ;  the  roads, 
Champaigns,  extensive  forests,  rivers,  groves, 
Cities  and  guarded  seats  ;  examines  these, 
His  course  determines  and  his  couch  resumes. 

Meantime  wan  Fear  in  her  chill  residence 
Felt  sudden  agitation  ;  wild  concern 
Was  in  her  visage,  though  her  speech  was  "bold. 
She  cast  unquiet  looks,  and  round  her  hall 
Saw  monstrous  things,  gorgonian  forms  and  death. 
Upon  the  darker  shore  of  life's  bleak  stream 
Her  palace  stands,  just  opposite,  where  Hope's, 
In  gorgeous  splendor,  throws  undying  light 
To  cheer  the  storm-tost  wanderer;  strong  the  tide 
Runs  to  the  sullen  strand,  and  thither  bears 
Th'  infirm  midst  rocks  and  shoals.     In  that  huge  pile 
Shapeless  and  gloomy,  Superstition  toils ; 
She  forges  fetters  for  the  crouching  world — • 
For  reason's  votaries  scaffolds  builds,  and  shows 
Midst  other  trophies,  great  Galileo's  chains ; 
While  druids,  augurs,  priests  of  various  name, 
And  kings  of  earth  at  human  weakness  smile. 
There  Sirens  sing  and  demons  snarl  by  turns ; 
Imagination  trembles  at  her  brood ; 
Blank  Indecision,  faction-tost,  is  seen, 
The  happy  moment  losing  of  success — 
And  all  the  unquiet  spirits  :  Near  her  throne 
Chimera  sits,  her  counsel  aids,  and  states 
The  crude  inventions  of  her  numerous  train, 
Whom  she  on  various  embassies  deputes, 
Inspiring  dreams  of  happiness  or  wo. 

She  quickly  summon'd  her  tumultuous  powers  ; 
They  came  with  startled  faces,  hurrying  wild — 


304  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES    GENIN. 

While  roar'd  her  trump,  as  fill'd  by  stormy  winds ; 

Hope  echo'd  its  harsh  sound  in  music  sweet. 

The  wild  assembly  on  each  other  glar'd, 

And  shriek'd  at  times,  as  quiver'd,  crack'd  and  groan'd 

The  tempest  shaken  mansion.     Soon  the  queen 

Thus  loud  began  :  Defeat  waits  Russia's  powers, 

Who  me  have  have  worshipp'd  since  th'  approach  of  night ; 

This  understood,  and  in  due  time  implor'd, 

'Tis  fit  we  interpose  to  keep  from  harm 

A  host  so  vast.     Our  Flight,  her  wings  dispread, 

Shall  guide  them  from  th'  impending  danger  soon, 

Convincing  man,  the  strongest  needs  our  aid  : 

Ah  me,  what  miseries  might  vain  mortals  shun 

In  Pride  and  Valor's  lore  !  How  oft  they  fall 

And  own  my  sway  too  late  to  change  their  doom ! 

Though  all  these  Russians  ridicul'd  my  power, 
Deeming  me  peccant,  and  a  ruthless  pest 
Among  their  ranks  the  last  man-butchering  day, 
Full  weighty  cause  they  knew,  ere  Sol  roll'd  down 
The  western  heaven,  to  seek  our  humble  aid, 
Now,  timorous  agents  of  the  trembling  dome,  \ 
Endeavor  our  wild  spirit  to  diffuse 
Through  all  the  Russian  myriads ;  them  convince 
Of  the  necessity  of  rapid  flight 
Under  thick  darkness'  all-concealing  wings ; 
Lest  fast-approaching  day  should  ghastly  stare 
On  their  corse-cumber 'd  camp,  and  Ruin  drag 
Their  throneless  monarch  at  his  blasting  wheels. 
Well  had  they  done  in  former  times  to  own 
My  safe  dominion,  when  that  mighty  Chief 
To  battle's  verge  came  towering  in  fierce  war, 
And  they,  in  strength  too  confident,  essay'd, 
His  overthrow,  and  dar'd,  imprudent,  front 
The  armies  train'd  by  his  victorious  hand, 
Which  cost  them  deep  remorse,  and  floods  of  gore. 

Instructed  thus,  they  mount  the  wilds  of  air, 
So  swift  the  winds  lull  panting  far  behind, 
Unequal  to  the  race  :  In  Russia's  camp 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  305 

Soon  ply  their  mission — through  the  army  move, 
The  cold  infection  spreading ;  while  above, 
The  timorous  queen  sat  gathering  sevenfold  night 
About  the  dangerous  scene,  and  stretch'd  her  hand 
Towards  th'  inclement  north,  that  show'd  relief 
And  promis'd  safety  from  Destruction's  jaws. 

De  Tolly  felt  the  spirit  which  prevail'd ; 
A  general's  cares  incumbent  on  his  mind — 
(He  fear'd  not  for  himself;  but  for  his  King, 
And  the  vast  host  he  ruled ;)  to  council  call'd 
His  nation's  leaders,  and  thus  spoke  the  chief: 

The  toils  of  yesterday,  crown'd  with  defeat, 
And  loss  of  thousands,  warn  us  to  depart 
This  evil  post,  and  undetected  speed 
To  Borodino,  or  to  Moscow's  walls : 
There,  with  collected  strength,  we  may  resume 
The  arduous  conflict,  and  successful  prove ; 
For  soon  Kutusoif,  freed  from  Turkish  war, 
May  with  his  skill,  and  numbers,  swell  our  force. 
Driven  from  intrenchments,  and  selected  ground, 
Where  late  we  deem'd  ourselves  secure  in  vain, 
What  shall  we  here,  but  fall  an  easy  prey 
To  our  insidious  foe  by  morrow's  dawn  ? 
Who  now  believes  our  forces  fit  to  cope 
With  those  of  France  from  past  experience  ?     Say— 
With  myriads  fallen,  captur'd,  or  dispers'd, 
On  inauspicious  ground — can  we  contend 
Victorious  ?     When,  before  defeat  sustain'd, 
Of  hope  possess'd,  which  some  possess  no  more, 
We  cower'd  before  their  Eagles,  and  retir'd 
Reluctant,  nor  attain'd  this  worthless  spot, 
Till  much  respected  Darkness  lent  her  aid ; 
Else  had  the  foe,  insatiate,  still  pursu'd 
Our  hapless  legions ;  his  tempestuous  horse, 
Plunging  amain,  deep  bath'd  in  crimson  floods 
On  the  far  scatter'd  rear  of  our  large  host, 
Of  which  full  half  had  now  imprison'd  groan'd, 
Or  in  death's  pale  embrace  their  fathers  join'd. 
20 


306  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

The  general  ended.     Touchkoif  thus  replied : 
Impending  danger  loud  forbids  delay 
Of  speedy  flight ;  solicitude  immense 
Disturbs  this  breast,  as  if  some  evil  spirit 
Had  enter'd  there,  and  whisper'd  ills  to  come, 
Causing  chill  thoughts,  and  darkness  of  my  soul. 
'Twould  better  end  to  give  in  brief  our  will, 
In  this  consult,  and  swift  departure  haste ; 
Each  moment  lost,  plucks  honors  from  our  name  ; 
'Twill  haunt  our  future  years,  and  cloud  our  joys ; 
For  now,  methinks,  a  dreadful  storm  is  near, 
Of  woful  end,  to  burst  in  boundless  rage 
Ere  morning  glides  us  by  in  saffron  robes, 
Displaying  the  grim  face  of  ruthless  war. 

Thus  he — and  sprightly  Platoff  thus  rejoins  : 
Heavens !  could  Napoleon  hear  our  brave  resolves, 
His  seine  of  arms  might  trap  our  timorous  shoals ; 
But  Voluntina's  warriors,  who,  so  late, 
Trod  thunder-beaten  paths,  and  near  rebuff 'd 
Smolensko's  victors,  he  will  not  suspect 
Of  such  dark  transit,  save  to  gain  his  rear  ; 
By  good  opinion  of  our  valor,  dup'd ! 

Sure  some  with  open  eyes  are  fraught  with  dreams — 
Far  worse,  than  when  a  slumbering  maid  believes 
Her  wherry  founders,  and  she  stifled  drowns ; 
Though  morn  belies  the  faith,  she  still  conceives 
Herself  in  evil  plight ;  her  neighbors  plague 
With  frequent  lamentation,  and  long  tales 
Of  coming  trouble  in  the  dream  portray'd. 
E"or  stops  her  clamor,  till  new  visions  come, 
Which  promise  husbands,  or  more  golden  days. 

Though  all  appearances  seem  not  so  ill 
As  to  destroy  my  hopes  of  victory  here, 
And  fill  me  with  thy  terrors  ;  yet  our  state 
Is  quite  precarious  and  some  prudence  needs, 
Join'd  with  true  valor,  to  conduct  us  hence 
Secure  from  peril,  to  the  destin'd  site 
Of  the  last  combat,  in  defence  of  that 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  307 

Long  reverenc'd  city,  with  good  parsons  bless'd, 
In  thee,  De  Tolly,  those  bright  virtues  live, 
And  recommend  thee  to  control  our  course  ; 
Which  from  this  place,  ere  blushes  rosy  morn, 
I  hope  shall  have  been  sped  :  assent  declare, 
Who  will  to  flee,  and  quick  suspense  conclude. 

Advising  thus,  the  whole  consent  to  march, 
And  wish  no  moment  lost.     Their  chief  directs 
What  way,  and  how,  the  several  leaders  move 
Their  portions  thence,  and  where  conjunction  form. 

Then  to  his  train  each  went,  assembled  straight 
His  sub-commanders,  and  this  lesson  gave  : 

We  haste  away  from  this  unhopeful  ground, 
If  possible,  unseen,  while  darkness  holds 
Her  friendly  reign,  and  hides  our  humble  march. 
Lead  cautious  each  his  charge,  forbid  the  sound 
Of  voice  and  instrument  sonorous,  lest 
Our  watchful  enemy  take  heed,  and  strive 
Against  our  purpose  ;  all  will  strict  maintain 
Due  order,  rapid  walk,  and  silence  deep. 

Then  to  their  posts  they  hie,  and  at  the  sign 
Of  march,  all  secret  move,  in  swift  retreat : 
Columns  succeeding  columns,  long  and  dark, 
Move  sullen,  like  nigrescent  clouds  of  even 
In  torrid  summer,  covering  half  the  sky, 
Which  near  the  gloomy  world,  low  muttering,  glide, 
While  stars  shoot  fast  behind,  and  sudden  winds 
Stir  the  black  rustling  forest  cloth'd  in  night, 

Meanwhile  round  Fear's  abode  a  tempest  rag'd  : 
Disquietude  before  the  Queen  uprose, 
And  thus  bespoke  her  and  Chimera  wild  : 

A  potent  Emperor  much  perplexes  now — 
In  Russia's  wide  domain  he  venturous  sleeps ; 
But  what  concerns  him  most,  'tis  hard  to  say  ; 
His  realm's  rebellion,  or  the  doubtful  end 
Of  this  gigantic  contest,  which  must  soon 
Exalt  him  to  unprecedented  height, 
Or  cloud  his  history  with  surprising  gloom 


308  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES   GEJSTIN. 

Of  evil  fortune  ;  e'en  the  last  he  dreads, 

While  Sleep  unwilling  casts  her  balmy  veil 

O'er  his  day's  toils,  and  sadly  sooths  his  soul. 

Full  well  he  knows  of  Fortune's  treacherous  ways  ; 

His  hope  gleams  faint,  beyond  herculean  toils, 

Like  stars  of  evening,  when  autumnal  clouds 

Sail  thick  and  dark  along  the  windy  heaven, 

Twinkling  at  intervals  on  human  eyes  : — 

Or  beacons,  that  far  off  to  windward  lie, 

By  mariners  seen  from  billowy  mounts  by  night, 

Which  show  the  port  past  threatening  rocks  and  shoals, 

And  surges  adverse  rolling  raging  wild. 

Impatient  to  attain  unequal'd  power, 
Renown  unfading,  and  terrestrial  pomp, 
By  swift  dispersion  of  his  neighboring  foe  ; 
Yet  doubtful  of  success,  and  pain'd  with  care, 
What  vision  shall  we  offer  to  his  mind, 
To  cause  him  joy  or  wo,  while  held  in  sleep, 
Unable  to  command  the  valorous  fire, 
Which  sense  of  peril  in  its  blaze  consumes  ? 
Recount  thy  practice,  of  what  nature  say, 
Shall  be  the  prospect  to  employ  his  mind, 
Compounded  of  his  plight ;  or  good,  or  ill  ? 

This  having  said,  Chimera  thus  replied  : 
When  night  o'erspreads  the  busy  walks  of  men, 
And  animal  creation  seek  repose, 
I  give  to  all  such  mental  scenes,  as  suit 
Th'  oblations  various  offered  at  my  shrine  : 
From  monarchs  and  the  great  I  most  receive 
Incentives  to  construct  unpleasant  dreams, 
That  harm  their  quiet,  and  engender  wo  ; 
Which,  though  derided,  oft  diffuses  gloom 
Amidst  their  revels  with  unnotic'd  hand. 
But  where  stern  Wisdom  constant  sway  preserves, 
Industriously  seeks  facts  whereon  to  think, 
Not  building,  till  materials  are  procured, 
And  to  conclusion  brings  perplexing  doubt 
'Tis  seldom  I  obtain  ;  for  frowns  severe 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  309 

The  rigid  goddess,  and  forbids  approach, 

When  rapid  I  retire,  like  smoke  before  the  wind. 

I  to  the  theorist  vain  schemes  unfold 
Surcharg'd  with  sweet  delusion  and  surmise. 
Philosophers,  well  pleas'd,  I  bear  away 
Beyond  the  Pleiades,  in  the  northern  sky, 
Or  to  some  favorite  planet,  where  they  view 
Its  satellites,  refulgent  glowing  round, 
And  comets,  flaming  through  the  field  of  stars ; 
And  oh,  with  Newton  how  I  lov'd  to  rove  ! 
The  motions  of  his  soul  resembled  heaven — 
So  easy,  and  so  high  !  so  placid  and  sublime  ! 
The  brazen  quack  I  compliment  with  ghosts 
In  winding  sheet,  just  fled  the  dreary  tomb, 
Untimely  thither  by  his  errors  hurl'd  ; 
Or  please  him  midst  deluded  multitudes, 
Prescribing,  as  blind  Chance  his  Chaos  rules. 
The  sage  physician  I  perplex  with  news 
Of  deviations  from  prescriptions  just — 
And  oft  console  him  with  the  grateful  voice 
Of  patients  heal'd,  and  rescued  from  the  grave. 
The  lawyer  frequently  inspir'd  by  me, 
Harangues  a  listening  jury,  and  inflames 
Their  breasts  with  ardor  to  assert  the  laws — 
The  parson  oft  I  lift  to  bright  abodes 
Of  angels  and  blest  saints,  where  he  beholds 
Immortal  features,  beaming  light  divine  ; 
Hears  song  delectable,  and  converse  holds 
With  happy  spirits,  then  awaking  smiles 
At  death's  short  sting,  and  the  poor  conquests  of  the  grave. 
Or  strong  temptations  set  before  his  view — 
A  beauteous  maid,  possess'd  of  matchless  charms, 
Her  Christian  travail  telling  in  sweet  strain  ; 
Think  ye  his  thoughts  quit  Heaven  and  earth  to  rove  ? 
Old  bachelors  I  haunt  with  marriage  state — 
The  dismal  penance  of  loquacious  wife, 
And  vex  with  children  and  parental  cares. 
Poets  I  toss  among  the  stars,  where  pleas'd, 


310  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

They  see  the  spheres  along  their  orbits  dance 
To  nature's  harmony — they  joyful  rove 
Amidst  the  clustering  constellations  bright, 
And  hear  vast  worlds  melodious  concert  join, 
Hymning  the  praise  of  Deity  supreme. 
Sometimes  I  place  them  midst  tenebrious  clouds, 
Roaring  and  flashing  horrid  day,  compelled 
By  furious  tempests  through  the  stormy  skies  ; 
When  in  high  transport  they  enjoy  the  scene, 
Regardless  of  the  dust  which  girds  them  round, 
At  times  show  Envy  and  lame  Ignorance, 
Rolling  dull  eyes  askance  upon  their  muse  ; 
When  they,  forgetful,  from  the  prospect  turn, 
Or  hope  their  pearls  not  wholly  thrown  to  swine. 
The  glutton  I  provide  with  odious  scenes, 
And  launch  from  precipices  dread,  while  he, 
In  fearful  expectation  waits  the  blow. 
I  let  the  miser  see  the  sneaking  thief 
His  closet  penetrate,  and  treasure  grasp  ; 
Let  some  behold  their  emulation's  blaze 
Portray'd  in  those  whose  fame  they  would  surpass 
And  often  to  the  laboring  patriot  show 
The  base  injustice  of  ungrateful  man. 
And  now  methinks  from  all  oblations  giv'n 
By  this  great  chief,  this  dream  to  him  belongs, 
Which  thou,  strict  Vigil,  wilt  to  him  convey, 
Fulfill  our  purpose,  and  his  rest  annoy  : 

Before  him  bring  the  shapes  of  heroes  old, 
Beseeching  Heaven,  by  various  arguments, 
To  check  his  progress  to  superior  fame. 
Him  show  the  victims  of  ingratitude — 
Then  grasp  in  cloudy  hand,  and  lift  on  high 
Between  th'  infolding  skies  and  rolling  world, 
That  in  his  sight  great  Europe  may  appear, 
With  all  her  realms  reflecting  sorrow's  look  ; 
When  sudden,  France  sinks,  leaving  chasm  dark, 
While  roll  th'  Atlantic,  German,  Midland  floods, 
Impetuous  closing  o'er  her  towers  in  foam 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  311 

A  rocky  isle  next  where  she  was,  is  seen, 
Round  which  tall  navies  glide,  and  ponderous  whales, 
That  'gainst  the  clouds  expire  their  watery  breath. 
Then,  in  transition  swift,  midst  barren  wilds 
Let  winter's  freezing  stores  profusely  fall, 
And  cold  winds  round  him  drift  the  hoary  snow  ; 
While  on  a  steed,  forlorn  he  refuge  seeks 
In  deep  distress,  but  seeks  in  vain,  and  lo ! 
Forsaken  armaments,  disabled  guns 
Half  whelm'd  in  hail,  heaps  of  chill'd  steeds, 
And  ghastly  groves  of  frozen  men  reclin'd 
On  muskets,  or  in  mountains  pil'd  around, 
Ope  on  his  sight,  and  fruitless  he  explores 
The  fetter'd  lands  in  search  of  that  great  host, 
So  late  his  pride,  and  terror  of  his  foes. 
Then  spread  narcotic  vapors  o'er  his  mind, 
Producing  slumber  soft,  and  transient  truce 
Of  ominous  toil ;  then  soon  midst  squadrons  arm'd, 
Transport  him  at  Misfortune's  desperate  call, 
Contending  for  his  liberty  and  life  ; 
While  heaven  wears  mournful  aspect,  bleak  and  dark 
With  clouds,  swift  wafted  by  tempestuous  winds. 
Next  place  him  in  the  hall  of  Russian  kings, 
Deep  musing  of  old  time,  and  trophies  won 
By  valiant  Russia,  in  fair  order  rang'd  ; 
There  conjure  up  a  dragon,  hideous,  huge, 
Affecting  to  conceal  his  latent  ire, 
Till  near  him,  when  he  grasps  the  triple  crown, 
Which  breaking,  and  profaning  in  his  view, 
He  hurls  upon  the  winds  ;  and  straight  'tis  gone — 
Perceptible  no  more  ;  then  mute  remains 
The  evil  monster,  and  with  scornful  eye, 
Beholds  of  crown  bereft,  th'  astonish'd  Chief; 
But  soon  the  uncertainty  of  earthly  things 
And  levelling  Death's  all-conquering  power  proclaims. 
So  spoke  the  queen,  then  sudden  quak'd  the  Dome, 
As  open  flew  the  doors  with  grating  sound ; 
Out  rush'd  the  Yigil — soaring  on  the  winds 


POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Infuriate  whistling  through  the  clouded  skies. 

Behind  he  leaves  the  voice  of  troubled  waves, 

Of  groaning  trees,  of  misery  and  of  joy, 

And  enters  clouds  scarce  pierc'd  by  Hope's  fair  beams 

He  penetrates  the  sphere  where  Sornnus  reigns — 

And  now  fast  traverses  the  dusky  land 

On  the  still  confines  of  the  realm  of  Death, 

Which  has  no  interchange  of  night  and  day, 

Nor  sees  a  star,  or  sun,  or  silver  moon — 

'Tis  cheerless  all ;  no  breezes  wander  there ; 

No  sound  e'er  breaks  upon  that  dreary  wild : 

Wan  pensive  spectres  in  deep  silence  glide 

Athwart  the  gloom,  into  the  darksome  world ; 

On  whose  frontier  gigantic  phantoms  frown 

In  all  their  monarch's  terrors — here  he  paus'd, 

And  try'd  to  sigh,  but  fate  refus'd  the  voice  ; 

Then  sped,  while  volitive  of  motion,  lest 

In  immobility  eternal  held, 

A  night-clad  monument  he  should  abide 

Unnumber'd  tedious  cycles — and  attain'd 

Th'  imperial  ear :  And  quick  before  him  strides 

Achilles,  fiery-crown'd,  whose  nervous  arm 

Upbears  the  sculptur'd  shield ;  its  surface  shows 

His  deeds  and  Ilion's  fall :  With  earnest  gaze, 

As  on  some  form  which  mortals  could  not  view, 

He  thus  address'd  the  power  that  sports  with  kings  : 

O  fate  dispensing  being,  nature's  God  I 
If  e'er  I  awkward  toil'd  to  please,  with  smoke 
Of  victims  slain,  repress  this  rival  Chief. 
Short  was  my  time  on  earth,  but  fill'd  with  deeds, 
Midst  fierce  contending  squadrons,  bath'd  in  blood, 
And  angry  tempests  on  th'  earth-shaking  seas. 
With  longer  life  I  had  acquir'd  more  fame ; 
But  while  in  youthful  bloom ;  while  yet  I  shone 
In  proud  defiance  of  my  foes,  and  hurl'd 
Them  to  the  dust ;  while  soothing  hope  portray'd 
Bright  scenes  to  come  ;  ere  half  th'  accustom'd  race 
Of  life  was  run  Death  seiz'd  :  I  could  no  more, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  313 

By  destiny  inexorable  bound. 

Shall  he,  permitted,  flourish  o'er  my  tomb  ? 

My  fame  eclipse,  while  I  in  death  repose  ? 

"While  ways  unnumber'd  moves  my  mortal  frame 

In  tempest,  stream,  or  tree ;  the  voice  long  mute 

That  frighten'd  Troy :  The  Hector-conquering  arm, 

In  ruin  cold,  can  scatter  fate  no  more ! 

Thus  he,  and  mingled  with  the  air.     Then  rose, 
With  head  inclin'd,  and  stern,  decisive  mien, 
Th'  Emathian  Alexander — round  his  feet 
Lay  crowns,  and  pale  Darius ;  jealous  still, 
His  eyes  on  Philip  linger'd.     Earnest,  loud, 
Napoleon  heard  him  thus  the  god  implore : 

Let  me  co-equal  shine  with  Gaul's  great  King, 
In  whom  thou  hast  implanted  lust  of  fame 
Less  strong  than  mine ;  so  less  be  his  renown — 
Or  in  the  apportionment  of  human  lot 
Is  fitness  unregarded  ?  Is  desire 
Created  to  repine  ?  Fix'd  still  and  cold 
Beneath  increasing  years,  I  can  no  more  ! 
O  silent  footed  time,  how  hast  thou  fled, 
And  left  great  Babylon — lost  in  thy  long  path  ! 
Out-run  my  Greece,  and  proud  world-conquering  Rome  I 
E'en  my  great  tutor  rules*  the  mind  no  more, 
Can  nought  but  Homer's  song  keep  peace  with  thee  ? 
O  could'st  thou  resurvey  my  reign  on  Earth, 
Thou  should'st  not  see  this  Chief's  excel  my  deeds  ; 
Thou  should'st  not  see  my  life  so  meanly  end — 
Nor  stain'd,  alas !  by  friendly  Clitus'  gore. 
Th'  inglorious  revelry  still  blasts  my  peace  ; 
No  rest  is  mine,  which  humbler  souls  enjoy. 
True,  I  was  cruel ;  fatal  need  of  kings ! 
Too  much  the  usage  of  my  ancient  age — 
But  is  Napoleon  free  from  similar  stain  ? 
Are  not  great  faults  depending  to  his  charge, 
Which,  if  compar'd  with  mine,  of  other  date, 
Would  prove  him  far  more  blamable*  than  I  ? 
For  what  can  he  deserve  superior  grace  I 


314  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Because  more  valiant,  generous,  or  humane  ? 
Of  this  thou  know'st,  it  useless  were  retold  : 
No  just  pretensions  can  that  chief  advance 
For  thee  to  smile  on  all  his  acts,  and  lift 
Him  to  such  height,  as  agitates  the  shades 
To  loud  protest  against  the  partial  doom. 
He  ceas'd,  victorious  Caesar  in  his  stead 
With  grave  aspect  appear'd — about  him  shone 
Barbaric  spoils,  half  the  great  globe,  his  Rome 
With  muffled  towers,  and  Pompey's  sad  remains — 
He  thus  appeal'd :  Immensity's  dread  Lord, 
If  fame  of  men  thy  notice  merit,  hear! 
But  what  has  Csesar  to  demand  of  Heaven — 
Less  faithful  to  his  country  than  himself! 
Yet  all  may  mercy  crave,  and  thine  is  vast. 
My  fault  was  punish'd  with  life-killing  stab 
Of  cold  Ingratitude.     O  had  that  thrust 
Restor'd  the  ancient  virtues,  then  my  wounds 
Had  prov'd  less  eloquent — my  friends  less  vile ! — 
Dear  Rome  had  suffer'd  less  from  my  decline  ! 
Mean  King  of  Nile,  by  you  was  Pompey  slain  ; 
The  Stoic's  pride  laid  worthy  Cato  low ; 
Triumvirs  base,  'twas  you  that  shackl'd  Rome ; 
Th'  executors  of  Luxury's  decree 
In  her  degenerate  days !     What  her  befel, 
When  I  was  ended,  was  no  consequence 
Of  Caesar's  deeds.     Had  Caesar  ne'er  been  born 
Rome  still  from  thistles  had  not  gather'd  grapes, 
Nor  liberty  from  ought  but  virtue's  seed. 
I  sought  to  save  her  from  herself  in  vain. 
Ingratitude,  Deceit,  and  Folly  foil'd 
My  generous  aims :  Ah  !  fate  to  me  denied 
To  be  my  much  lov'd  country's  sceptred  sire  ; 
Yet,  nought  was  left  undone,  that  height  to  gain  : 
What  merits  then  Napoleon  more  than  I  ? 
He,  luckily,  longer  holds  the  reins  of  power, 
As  yet,  exempt  from  Treachery's  mortal  sting : 
He  this  to  fortune  more  than  merit  owes. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  315 

Night-shrouded  Fraud  eludes  the  hero's  sword. 

'Tis  luckless,  not  reproachful,  to  be  wrong'd. 

In  what  have  I  offended,  unaton'd 

To  fail  of  equal  greatness  ?     Were  my  sins 

At  blushing  altars  insincerely  mourn'd  ? 

Was  not  my  valor  great  in  German  climes, 

On  Britain's  shores,  on  Gaul's  and  Asia's  plains  ? 

Does  not  Pharsalia  boast  my  deed  humane, 

And  generous  use  of  victory  ?     Sure  this  chief 

Is  not  more  worthy,  that  success  should  crown 

His  war  on  Russia,  menacing  the  Earth 

With  his  dominion  and  my  ancient  fame 

With  derogation :  Not  with  greater  dread 

I  saw  ungrateful  Brutus'  murderous  steel, 

Than  this  distinguish'd  fortune  and  renown  ; 

Excelling  luck  of  either  Grecian  chief 

Of  great  desert ;  even  his  whose  blest  remains 

Lie  in  Thermopylae's  death -glutted  vale ; 

Or  his,  the  Spartan  foe's,  Messenia's  son's, 

Whose  race  from  god-like  Hercules  devolv'd ; 

Whom  fate  denied  repose,  and  snatch 'd  from  death, 

By  Reynard's  aid,  to  help  the  Ellian  race, 

Endure  the  woes  of  war  in  noblest  cause, 

And  save  the  relics  of  a  falling  State  ; 

Or  his,  who  did  relent  at  Crossus'  groans, 

For  recollection  of  his  converse  wise 

With  Solon,  and  extinguish'd  the  red  pyre. 

Let  not  his  fame  engross  the  world's  applause, 

While  noble  deeds  of  others  unobserv'd, 

And  unremember'd  sink  in  time's  deep  stream. 

Restore  my  life  and  power,  I  ask  no  more, 

Then,  who  excels,  our  future  deeds  shall  prove. 

Thus  he,  and  floated,  viewless,  on  the  air : 
Then  sudden  Charlemagne,  and  Sweden's  Charles, 
With  visage,  beaming  thought,  and  jealous  mien, 
Before  him  pass'd :  Then  reverend  men  appear'd, 
Whose  righteous  claims  ungrateful  man  denied ; 
These  on  him  cast  a  pitying  look  and  kind. 


316  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIK. 

The  Grecian  orator  among  them  stood, 
In  act  to  write,  but  suck'd  the  poison'd  pen ; 
Great  Aristides  held  th'  injurious  shell ; 
Themistocles  from  Persia  look'd  on  Greece ; 
The  ingrate's  darts  bristled  on  Scipio's  shield  ; 
Lank  Famine  at  Pausanias  bent  her  bow : 
Great  Socrates  the  cup  of  hemlock  held ; 
The  Gracchi  view'd  deluded  Eome  with  grief— 
And  Manlius,  and  Tarpeia's  rock  he  saw  ; 
And  Miltiades,  and  Phocion,  and  the  man 
Whom  his  own  dogs  devour'd :  Then  straight  himself  he 

deems 

Among  the  clouds,  Realms,  Princedoms,  States  in  view, 
Which  he  directed,  or  might  hope  to  rule. 
They  seem'd  to  shine  of  evil,  and  presage 
In  silent  eloquence,  approaching  wo. 
Then  soon  around  he  hears  increasing  winds 
Blow  up  dark  storm,  blackening  the  welkin  bleak, 
And  the  far  prospect  snatching  from  his  sight ; 
When  midst  inhospitable  wilds  he  strays 
Forlorn  through  frigid  winds  and  drifted  snow, 
Seeking  some  place  of  rest  on  weary  steed, 
And  mournful  scenes  he  views  :  the  wreck  of  arms 
Once  deem'd  invincible,  that  aw'd  the  world ; 
Whereon  esperance  much  he  plac'd  to  hurl 
The  Russian  monarch  from  his  lofty  seat. 
Confounded,  he  surveys  the  myriads  fallen 
With  sorrowing  soul,  till  grief,  benumb'd,  expires 
In  Somnus'  balmy  dews.     Next  in  cold  field 
On  prancing  steed,  midst  raging  fight,  he  flies — 
Directs  the  storm  of  war  with  stern  regard, 
And  hears,  exulting,  battle's  loudest  din ; 
Though  the  drear  prospect  of  the  wintry  sky 
Augurs  misfortune.     Soon  comes  sad  Defeat 
With  shiver 'd  arms,  marr'd  front,  and  tearful  eyes — 
"  Henceforth  (she  said)  we  face  to  face  will  meet, 
And  interchange  kind  looks  through  bloody  tears, 
Ah,  know'st  me  not  ?  erst  only  seen  in  flight ! 


THE   NAPOLEAD. 

Then  view  my  back  familiar  from  Toulon 

To  Voluntina's  field  !  "  and  pass'd  away. 

Then  he  the  Kremlin  walks  in  Moscow's  bounds, 

In  melancholy  muse  of  signals  there, 

The  glories  of  his  foe ;  when  lo  !  uplifts 

His  grim,  terrific  form  a  Dragon  huge, 

With  looks  of  confidence  and  friendly  air, 

Till  bold  he  grasps  the  triple  crown,  and  high 

Discharges  the  bright  glory  on  the  winds, 

In  shatter'd  state,  which,  quick  with  air  resolves ; 

Then  bides  the  king  in  dumb  amaze,  and  eyes 

The  Dragon,  that  with  scornful  look,  and  mute, 

Returns  the  gaze,  till  thus  abrupt  he  speaks  : 

So  perish  human  things — vain  is  man's  boast, 
That  future  times  in  happy  pomp  will  roll 
And  peerless  grandeur — in  the  shades  of  death, 
In  transient  time,  may  rove  tli'  aspiring  mind, 
A  meek  companion  of  inglorious  souls. 
While  saying  this  he  vanish'd,  and  deep  sleep 
Pour'd  in  the  Emperor's  breast  unmix'd  repose. 
The  Yigil's  task  perform'd,  he  sought  his  queen 
Through  air  in  stillness  dripping  pearly  dew  : 
He  found  her  coasting  on  the  twilight  field  ; 
They  darted  westward  into  darkness  then ; 
While  in  bright  pomp,  the  blushing  morn  advanc'd, 
The  league  of  night  dissolving  (all  the  stars 
Before  her  disappearing),  o'er  .the  sphere 
Diffusing  day,  and  calling  man  to  toil. 

The  hero  wakes,  with  burden'd  soul  assumes 
His  wonted  garb ;  reflecting  on  the  night 
He  thus  begins  :  Her  dreams  and  terrors  fled, 
Why  broods  dejection  on  my  soul,  like  clouds 
Which  darken  Heaven's  broad  face  ?   Depart,  sad  thoughts, 
Obtrusive  phantoms  caus'd  ;  the  mind  now  rules, 
Divested  of  dull  slumber  ;  Reason  points 
My  course  with  wand  of  light ;  more  useful  themes 
Concern  me  now,  and  lofty  hope  inspire 
Of  my  success,  in  this  extensive  war  ; 


318  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GE2STIN. 

While  the  fantastic  furies,  that  disturb 

My  nightly  quietude,  seek  their  dark  caves, 

Nor  sally  forth  to  blast  a  monarch's  peace 

"While  day  dominion  holds  ;  but  weak,  alas, 

Is  human  nature  !  quite  too  frail  to  ward 

The  approach  of  superstitious  fear.     How  oft 

Is  reason  baffled  to  erase  the  stain 

Deluded  fancy  leaves !     Ill  grounded  dread 

May  frequently  perturb  the  wise  and  brave. 

How  wild  a  dream  !    How  much  it  wandered  from 

My  waking  thoughts,  when  spoke  the  glorious  dead 

The  envious  language  of  ignoble  souls  ! 

Would  I  be  great  because  all  else  is  small  ? 

No  :  local  greatness  ne'er  was  ask'd  of  Heaven. 

'  Tis  my  desire  that  man,  himself,  excel ; 

I  fain  would  raise  him  to  angelic  powers. 

For  it's  own  sake  for  excellence  I  toil ; 

Nor  have  the  wretched  weakness  to  believe 

Myself  am  high,  because  mankind  are  low  ; 

Nor  good,  because  another  vicious  proves. 

The  great,  alone,  appreciate  well  the  great, 

Incomprehensible  to  vulgar  minds  ; 

Hence  rival  merit  owns  my  fostering  care — 

Ah,  what  were  glory  in  unpeopled  worlds  ! 

By  these  convincing  legions  I  ere  long 

Far  happier  meditation  will  enjoy. 

What  boots  it,  that  the  Russian  monarch  wastes 

By  woeful  conflagration  half  the  wealth, 

And  blasts  the  fortune  of  his  people  poor  ; 

But  me  to  arm  with  weapons  to  diffuse 

Thro'  his  harm'd  subjects  fell  rebellion's  flames, 

Would  I  such  means  employ.     But  Valor's  arm, 

Cloth'd  with  its  thunder,  and  intent  on  fame, 

Shall  vindicate  my  rights,  without  the  scenes 

Of  nobles,  slaughter'd  by  rebellious  hands ; 

Of  impious  feats  against  the  tender  fair ; 

With  universal  havoc  and  dismay : 

Dire  consequence  of  slavery's  fetters  loos'd 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  319 

From  vicious  multitudes — who  like  rude  winds 

Freed  from  ^Eolian  rule,  tumultuous  rush 

What  way  they  find,  and  spread  destruction  round. 

Thus  meditates  the  monarch,  when  appears, 
Majestic  as  the  morn,  his  martial  chiefs. 
What  tidings  of  the  night,  the  king  inquires  ; 
Have  ye  from  scouts  or  other  means  obtained  ? 
When  Ney,  with  courteous  modesty,  replied : 
Imperial  sire,  the  foe  hath  fled  our  view  ; 
But  whither  is  unknown  ;  we  soon  will  learn 
From  scouts  returned.     Meanwhile,  the  chief  rejoins, 
Arrange,  brave  marshals,  your  respective  powers 
For  speedy  march,  whene'er  occasion  calls. 
Fate,  unpropitious,  dooms  us  to  pursue, 
Or  hunt  the  foe  ;  nor  lets  him  tarry  near, 
Where,  at  a  small  expense,  we  might  subdue. 
This  day,  methought,  had  seen  the  sudden  fall 
Of  Russia's  mightiest  host,  and  sad  Defeat, 
By  us  commission'd,  walk'd  o'er  all  her  realm 
With  downcast  look,  inspiring  faint  despair. 

Then  from  the  regal  tent  each  to  his  charge 
Forth  sallied  ;  loud  the  rattling  drum  begins 
Summoning  to  arms  ;  the  mounted  steeds  prance  round 
Trampling  the  passive  earth  ;  in  long  array, 
And  iron  groves,  the  shining  host  appears, 
Arming  to  war.     The  busy  hum  of  men, 
Awak'd  from  slumber,  and  incessant  voice 
Of  sub-commanders,  forming  each  his  band, 
Made  ceaseless  clamor  and  confused  uproar. 
Napoleon  on  high  steed  in  grandeur  mov'd 
Majestically  formidable  on, 

Fleet  as  the  winds,  Heaven's  radiance  playing  round, 
Reflected  brightly  from  refulgent  arms. 
Each  way  he  sped  through  far-extended  lines, 
His  host  reviewing  with  imperial  eye  : 
Glory,  the  while,  smil'd  round  his  nodding  plume, 
His  head  encircling  with  enchanting  light ; 
While  admiration  through  the  numerous  powers 


320  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GKNIN. 

Breath'd  praise,  and  talk'd  of  worlds  lie  might  subdue. 

Soon  the  discoveries  of  returning  scouts 
Convince  him,  that  the  enemy's  sudden  flight 
Is  wing'd  for  Moscow  ;  straight  he  thus  begins : 
Our  foes  stop  not  till  near  their  Moscow's  walls  ; 
Where  they  will  trench  their  land,  make  ramparts  huge 
(If  our  too  slow  pursuit  should  give  them  time) ; 
Whence,  they  may  throw  some  heavy  balls,  to  vex, 
But  not  repel  our  soldiers.    Let  us  then, 
By  hasty  march,  decrease  their  bulwarks'  height. 
Nor  win  with  blood  what  industry  may  gain, 
Death's  shades,  ere  long,  proud  Russia's  power  shall  know  ; 
Ruin,  already,  shakes  her  blasting  brand 
Over  her  crest,  and  waits  but  our  approach 
To  strike  the  fatal  blow.     Let  each  wing  hold 
Due  intercourse  with  me,  and  rapid  tend 
Whither  the  thunder  of  the  centre  roars. 

The  monarch  ended.     To  their  posts  all  hied  ; 
And  soon,  as  ample  forests  dancing,  driven 
By  arm  omnipotent  from  their  old  seats, 
Their  lofty  branches  nodding  as  they  course, 
To  martial  music  all  the  army  moves 
In  swift  pursuit,  intent   on  Victory's  spoils. 


BOOK     Y. 


ANALYSIS. 

The  song  of  Glory  and  her  Nymphs.  Ambition  complains,  and  is  soothed 
by  Vanity.  They  address  Mars.  His  advent,  and  departure  from  the  tem 
ple  of  Fame.  Wisdom  consults  Necessity,  and  goes  with  her  to  Kutusoff, 
De  Tolly  and  Bagration,  with  whom  they  confer ;  afterwards  advise  Se 
verity,  who  presently  alights  on  Russia.  Battle  of  Borodino  :  Napoleon 
orders  an  attack  on  the  Russian  left  by  Davoust  and  Poniatowski,  on  the 
centre  by  Ney,  on  the  right  by  Beauharnois.  Kutusoff  from  the  vigor  of 
the  attack  on  his  right,  inferring  that  the  French  intended  to  exert  their 
greatest  strength  against  his  left,  detaches  Bagawout,  with  his  division^ 
to  its  assistance.  The  Russian  left  is  driven  back,  and  its  redoubts  are  oc 
cupied  by  the  French ;  to  regain  which  a  fierce  struggle  ensues.  Supposing 
Napoleon's  left  weakened,  by  his  efforts  to  strengthen  his  right,  Platoff 
charges  it  with  his  cavalry,  but  is  repelled  by  a  reserve  under  Claparede. 
At  length  the  whole  right  of  the  French  wheeled  to  the  left,  discloses  the 
rear  of  the  Russian  centre.  Night  terminates  the  conflict,  and  finds  the 
French  victorious, 

FAR  from  his  France  lie  leads  gigantic  powers 
To  splendid  conquest,  or  appalling  woes  ; 
Though  victory  cheers  his  march,  his  foes  elude 
Decisive  combat,  while  with  wasteful  speed 
He  fierce  pursues,  and  his  resources  leaves  ; 
Thus  fickle  Fortune  sports  with  human  kind  ! 
Cried  Glory,  seated  on  her  radiant  throne, 
Within  the  pillar'd  temple  of  Renown, 
As  griev'd  she  saw  her  son  on  tedious  march 
To  hostile  frigid  lands.     Her  shining  nymphs, 
In  harmony  with  their  queen,  responsive  sung : 

What  toils,  what  perils,  feeble  man  incurs  ! 
By  Heav'n  ordain'd  to  reap  his  joys  with  pain, 
In  proud  prosperity,  or  humble  state. 
Wild  passions  tempt  him  from  the  happy  way — 
How  seldom  Eeason's  chart  the  wanderer  guides ! 
21 


322  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES   GENIN. 

Erroneous  Habit  seizes  Wisdom's  throne, 

Ere  thought  illumes  the  wilderness  of  mind. 

Great  nature's  countless  treasures  to  him  given, 

To  bless,  or  curse,  as  used,  or  as  abus'd, 

And  free  of  will  he  feeds  our  sacred  flames. 

Were  shame  or  honor  not  of  human  choice, 

But  by  stern  fate  impos'd,  our  sway  were  vain. 

Glory  of  difficulty,  good  of  evil  springs  : 

Were  man  possess'd  of  Heaven's  refulgent  seats, 

Where,  fame  reports,  no  grief  nor  misery  comes, 

He  yet  would  sigh,  unhappy,  to  attain 

Something  unknown  in  Heaven  ;  some  woe  of  earth 

Would  then  afford  delight.     Evil  attends 

The  sons  of  men,  constituent  of  their  bliss, 

And  only  rule  for  estimating  good. 

With  greater  honors  we  prepare  to  grace 
Napoleon,  noblest  of  the  hero  train  ! 
Rejoice,  oh  Fame,  that  baffling  fate  disturbs 
Our  conqueror's  course,  and  gives  him  arduous  toil ! 
A  crown  of  richest  texture  late  we  form'd, 
Which  blended  nations  three  to  him  confirm'd  ; 
But  now  a  nobler  task  remains  ;  to  gem 
With  added  states,  and  deck  with  glory's  light 
The  splendid  signal  of  imperial  sway  : 
Then  he,  in  this  grand  Temple,  heavenly  fair, 
Shall  long  superior  shine,  like  lordly  Sol, 
By  greater  brilliance  hiding  lesser  orbs. 

Thus  they,  and  now  she  hears  the  voice  of  storm 
Resounding  through  the  Temple,  hoarse,  and  loud, 
And  looking,  lo !  in  blazing  arms,  and  fierce, 
Ambition  stood,  or  danc'd  on  burning  throne, 
Restless  as  Ocean's  waves,  declaiming  thus : 

When,  oh !  when,  celestial  and  infernal  powers, 
Will  that  pre-eminence  be  mine !  so  much  deserv'd ! 
How  long  shall  fleeting  time  evolve  events, 
Which  chill  my  joys,  in  Hope's  wide  range  that  bloom  ? 
What  ill  occurrence  shall  obstruct  my  march 
Up  that  great  height,  where  fame  eternal  blows  ? 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  323 

Ye  stars,  desert  your  orbits,  sink,  ye  lands, 

And  thou,  O  sovereign  Jove,  quench  Phoebus'  orb, 

Involve  his  worlds  in  tenfold  night,  and  blast 

With  influence  cold  their  vegetative  powers, 

Ere  my  lov'd  hero  be  Misfortune's  prey, 

Or  victim  to  the  spleen  of  Europe's  Kings ; 

For,  sure  the  highest  of  Earth's  sceptred  sons, 

In  whom,  triumphant,  through  eventful  years 

I  live,  and  riot  on  successful  war, 

Needs  not  the  Sultan's  aid ;  nor  aught  may  dread 

Kutusoff's  skill,  or  Borodino's  lines, 

Or  Famine's  threats,  or  e'en  McDonald's  stay 

On  Dwina's  bloody  shore :  still,  where  he  moves, 

"Will  Victory  light  his  road,  and  nations  bow  ! 

Thus,  with  loud  voice,  by  glorious  hopes  sublim'd, 
She  speaks,  and  speaking,  shakes  the  region  round. 
Nor  ceas'd,  but  thrice,  wild  Chaos,  and  Time's  end, 
With  wreck  of  man,  and  countless  worlds,  she  hail'd, 
Before  inglorious  doom.     Then  Yanity 
With  confidence  th'  impetuous  power  address'd : 

Could  thy  desires  have  bounds  they  might  be  sought 
Within  the  limits  of  Napoleon's  reign. 
Worlds  gazing  stand,  admiring  his  great  feats 
Performed  of  yore,  and  perspicacious  mind. 
Already  millions  tune  the  harp  of  praise, 
And  Fame's  loud  trumpet  thunders  through  the  earth 
His  potent  name :  what  then,  if  Fortune  grasp 
Her  bitterest  tempest,  and  infuriate  hurl 
The  wondrous  monarch  on  her  darkest  shore 
To  brook  the  insults  of  the  kings  he  spared ; 
Will  that  decrease  the  splendor  of  his  deeds  ? 
Or  stop  the  voluntary  voice  of  Fame  ? 
Far  different  I  surmise :  all  human  race 
Would  view,  with  wonder,  his  throne-melting  blaze 
Of  power  and  glory,  clouded  by  the  storm 
Of  ruthless  destiny ;  but  marvel  more 
At  his  great  fortitude ;  he  yet  would  seem 
No  less  than  Italy's  conqueror,  glory's  boast, 


324:  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

To  whom  Berlin,  and  stiff  Vienna  bow'd, 

And  law's  sagacious  genius  homage  paid  ; 

Or  like  day's  orb,  far  in  the  west  retir'd, 

Faint  beaming  through  deep  atmosphere  and  mist 

On  human  sight ;  his  influence  hot  decreas'd, 

But  not  his  rays.     Yet  fortunate  the  result 

Of  this  campaign  shall  be  ;  late  victory  seems 

Exordium  to  the  conquest  of  yon  realm, 

However  dark  be  Providence'  decree 

And  Jove's  high  will.     Bravery  and  skill  belong 

To  his  arm'd  legions,  and  their  power  excels : 

We  hence,  deduce  success,  if  merit  gain, 

And  calmly  wait  time's  sentence  in  our  pride. 

Thus  the  self-loving  being,  while  dissolv'd 
In  transport  high,  Ambition  drank  the  sound. 
And  now  they  hear  loud  thunder  distant  roar ; 
Oceans  of  angry  fire  with  cloudy  van, 
Edg'd  with  grim  shapes  fast  onward  thick'ning  roll 
From  the  bleak  north ;  a  sudden  terrow  throws 
A  gloomy  shade  on  every  prospect  round — 
The  passive  world,  Fame's  field,  and  mortal  men : 
Ambition  reddens  with  celestial  fire — 
In  mild  effulgence,  Valor  joyful  smiles  ; 
But  Yanity  no  longer  boasts,  fled  to  her  bower, 
While  reverend  horror  reigns — above  is  seen  . 
Relentless  Mars,  on  flaming  car,  convey'd 
By  gorgon  monsters,  propp'd  by  cloudy  wings  ; 
Their  hoofs  career'd  upon  the  fiery  sea 
In  dreadful  pace  ;  while  o'er  them  flam'd  his  shield, 
And  glittering  arms,  that  cast  a  dazzling  light. 
His  numerous  retinue  flam'd  in  circles  broad, 
With  whirlwind  speed,  diffusing  wondrous  glare  ; 
As  twice  ten  thousand  meteors,  pent,  were  spread 
By  one  strong  blast  o'er  all  the  nightly  skies. 
Soon,  near  the  precincts  of  Kenown's  bright  walls, 
The  horrid  power  alighted  from  his  car  ; 
But  stopp'd  not  the  loud  signal  of  his  march ; 
Hoarse  thunder  shook  the  fabric  of  the  world, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  325 

And  lightnings  fierce  play'd  round  his  gloomy  head, 

That  mov'd  so  high  the  antoeci  of  each  pole 

Might  see  his  crest  along  th'  equator  wave  ; 

Then  stern  he  went  towards  Fame's  refulgent  gate, 

That,  darting  fiercer  rays,  spontaneous  op'd 

With  outcry  terrible,  which  pass'd,  he  hails 

His  shining  aid,  Ambition,  who  forth  speeds, 

And  mutual  salutation  quick  begins ; 

The  latter,  then,  thus  the  grim  power  address'd  : 

Wide  spread  is  thy  dominion  by  Gaul's  king ; 

O  were  his  empire  spread  o'er  earth  as  wide, 

Within  its  bounds  would  all  her  oceans  roll ! 

But  o'er  his  destiny  Darkness'  raven  wing 

Rests,  hatching  thoughts  that  cloud  the  days  of  joy. 

With  terror  crown'd,  yet  glorious,  thro'  long  time, 

Thy  sceptre  smote  the  nations ;  millions  mourn'd — 

While  Peace  asylum  in  Columbia  sought ; 

Great  name  from  him  who  ocean's  barrier  scal'd, 

And  gave  to  Europe's  view  another  world  ; 

Where  heaven-born  virtue  toil'd  with  Washington, 

And  many  worthies,  that  among  the  good, 

Where  shine  Fame's  purest  rays,  sit  snowy  robed 

The  ornaments  and  friends  of  human  kind. 

Who  well  avoiding  Europe's  broils,  till  late, 

Preserv'd  their  country's  children  from  thy  field. 

Heaven's  King  saw  Science's  march,  foreknew  the  storm 

Engender'd  by  her  rays,  as  by  the  songs 

Of  occidental  Nymphs,  that  yearly  crown 

Columbia's  youthful  brows  with  festive  wreaths ; 

And  angry  at  the  royal  league,  foreseen, 

Pronounc'd  Napoleon  Head  of  victor  France, 

(A  hero  fired  with  every  noble  theme, 

My  brightest  gem,)  to  scourge  the  guilty  realms, 

And  march  o'er  mighty  thrones :  well  has  he  rul'd, 

The  curse  of  those  who  durst  their  hands  imbrue 

In  Freedom's  blood ;  with  glory  deck'd  his  state, 

And  working  Heaven's  high  will  wrought  wonders  here ; 

Out-wing'd  the  chiefs  of  old,  and  those  excell'd 


326  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENTN". 

Who  ages  had  repos'd  supreme  of  men. 

Now  to  whose  aid  will  mighty  Mars  incline  ? 

To  his  whom  Jove  upraised  to  punish  vice  ? 

Or  theirs  whose  crimes  involv'd  the  world  in  war  ? 

Mars  silent  heard ;  then  walk'd  with  sullen  frown 
Around  the  spacious  temple ;  in  his  eyes 
Play'd  natal  lightnings,  that  incessant  flarn'd 
Insufferable  day  what  way  he  turn'd ; 
High  on  his  head  a  bright  tiara  shone, 
On  which  artillery  frown'd,  as  on  a  tower, 
And  angry  forms,  and  serpents  dreadful  curl'd, 
Whose  torrid  breath  oft  fired  the  thundering  tiers, 
His  brows  surmounting  with  dark  clouds,  and  names. 
Blood  stain'd  his  feet,  rich  crowns  his  waist  adorn'd, 
His  hand  sinister  Death's  resemblance  held, 
The  dexter  grasp'd  a  weapon  red  with  gore ; 
Around  him  flow'd  a  veil  the  sisters  wove, 
With  quivering  fringe,  distilling  sanguine  shower ; 
Its  thread,  before  his  birth,  the  furies  twined 
Of  matter  deadly  to  the  sons  of  men. 
Distress  and  horror  where  he  rages  spread ; 
Day  joyless  shines,  the  night  wears  deeper  gloom ; 
The  homeward  traveller  sees  his  native  land 
In  loneliest  solitude,  dejected,  drear, 
Amaz'd  at  miseries  man  inflicts  on  man  ; 
While  memory  brings  glad  scenes  of  former  days, 
The  hopeful  virgin,  and  her  brethren  fair, 
Who  erst,  in  health,  tranquillity,  and  joy, 
Their  merry-making  notes  delighted  sung ; 
But  now,  unhappy,  breathe  a  lover's  dirge, 
Or,  deadly  pale,  weep  o'er  a  parent's  grave. 
He  lingers  on  the  long  departed  hours 
That  give  a  mournful  pleasure  to  his  soul ; 
So  much  unlike  the  hateful  scenes  of  war ! 
The  plains,  neglected,  yield  no  golden  grain — 
War- steeds  repass  their  masters'  gates  unrode — 
Dogs  moan,  wolves  howl  by  day,  and  ravens  croak 
O'er  corse- clad  fields ;  the  owls,  with  hideous  screams, 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  327 

Sit  on  the  blasted  trees,  where  cities  stood, 
Resounding  desolation's  tidiogs  drear ; 
Unshelter'd  widows,  matrons,  orphans,  roam 
The  ravag'd  clime,  and  weary  Heaven  with  pray'r. 
Dark  floods  of  terror  rush  on  human  minds  ; 
Shock'd  reason  reels ;  mysterious  omens  prey 
On  superstition  ;  secret  whispers,  breath'd 
By  forms  unseen,  warn  of  impending  dole. 

Frail  Vanity,  now  peering  from  her  bower, 
Presumptuous  thus  th'  armipotent  bespoke : 

Great  power  of  old,  who  snuff 'd  the  scent  of  fields, 
Semiramis,  Sesostris,  Xerxes  heap'd, 
And  triumph'd  in  Alaric's  grisly  wake, 
Thou  stalk'st  o'er  earth  sublime ;  proud  empires  groan 
Beneath  thy  tread ;  thy  heroes  lofty  sail 
Time's  boundless  stream,  upborne  by  fair  Renown, 
And  grace  this  Temple  like  great  Science's  sons, 
Who  rose  without  the  aid  of  legions  arm'd : 
In  yonder  clime  a  greater  hero  lives 
Than  all  of  yore,  whose  feats  in  peace  and  war 
Unequall'd  flourish  in  the  soil  of  fame ; 
Him  of  thy  nide,  the  noblest,  elevate 
With  long  success,  till  Europe  own  his  reign. 
What  myriads  from  their  native  land  he  leads ! 
They  menace  now  the  centre  of  the  realm 
On  which  they  war ;  like  a  wide  cloudy  sea 
Of  coming  storm,  with  lightning  edg'd,  impell'd 
By  blustering  tempest,  threatening  earth's  broad  face 
With  sudden  change ;  when  gathering  darkness  frowns 
Along  the  gloomy  van,  and  spreading  gusts 
Roar  in  the  distant  forests,  with  rude  force 
Dismantling  lofty  trees ;  and  mortals  fear 
Th'  impending  deluge,  and  the  rushing  wind 
May  sweep  their  sublunary  works  away. 
And  soon  concluding  Fate  shall  glad  his  soul 
With  Russia's  overthrow :  What  object  then 
Would  next  attract  him,  but  the  Sultan's  reign  ; 
Which,  quick  determin'd,  and  sad  slavery  driv'n 


328  POEMS    OF    THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

From  its  long  residence,  the  purer  air 
Of  liberty  would  fan  Earth's  fairest  clime ; 
And  groaning  Greece,  emancipated,  lift 
Her  much  dejected  head,  and  hail  the  muse, 
In  emulation  of  her  ancient  race. 

Thus  she  ;  the  furious  god  complacent  smil'd, 
As  day's  bright  king  emits  a  transient  gleam 
Through  intermittent  darkness  of  a  storm — 
Nor  more— but  turning,  strode  majestic  forth 
Like  Chimborazo,  bounding  from  his  base 
With  all  his  clouds — his  car  remounted,  straight, 
Impatient  stamp'd,  and  smote  his  flaming  steeds  ; 
They  start,  high  vaulting  in  the  sky  sublime, 
Striking  heaven's  misty  cliffs  with  brazen  wings. 
His  gloomy  chariot,  deck'd  with  lightning,  roll'd, 
Shaking  the  sphere  ;  its  sound  reach'd  distant  thrones, 
And  voices  strange  were  heard  in  regal  halls. 
The  sullen  power  lights  on  Himmaleh's  brow, 
And  looks  for  battle  over  Asian  plains. 
He  turns  with  scorn  from  China's  servile  realm 
To  holy  Syria  and  the  land  of  Mle ; 
There  feasts  his  spirit  on  the  fields  of  old  : 
Thence,  o'er  Pamphylia,  drives  to  lofty  Ide, 
Beholds  with  joy  the  ground  where  Ilion  was, 
And  thinks  of  Persian,  Greek,  and  Roman  wars  : 
Thence  shoots,  high  bounding  o'er  the  Alps,  but  eyes 
In  passing  swift,  his  rich  Italian  shrine, 
And  Belgium,  France,  and  Spain,  with  all  their  graves, 
And  the  sea-circled  realms,  whose  offerings  rise 
Where  ever  navies  plough  the  watery  world. 
By  Teneriffe,  far  o'er  the  western  main 
He  speeds  below  th'  horizon  in  the  west : 
He  paused  on  ocean's  trembling  flood  to  see 
Proud  Albion's  banner  lower'd  to  conquering  Hull ; 
But  ere  the  vanquish'd  Warrio»  ceas'd  to  burn, 
And  cast  her  giant  fragments  o'er  the  main, 
Had  stream'd  o'er  Allegheny,  and  back  turn'd 
T'  enjoy  the  sounds  of  Borodino's  field. 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  329 

Meanwhile  great  Wisdom  on  the  scragged  mount, 
Pass'd  into  Need's  rough  Temple ;  there  is  seen 
In  plight  obscure,  primeval  instruments, 
Employ'd  in  what  their  first  invention  caus'd. 
There,  cramp'd  by  Circumstance,  Inventors  work 
Their  own  relief,  and  many  an  useful  thing 
Thus  form  to  far  posterity  a  boon — 
Society's  chief  good.     Now  scarce  by  Fame 
Are  these  beheld,  in  Time's  dark  folds  involv'd. 
When  first  their  works  were  by  mankind  approv'd, 
While  yet  they  liv'd,  the  foes  of  genius  hiss'd, 
Envy,  and  Ignorance,  two  serpents  huge : 
This  crawls  triumphantly  in  licensed  shame, 
And  if  new  trees  life's  varied  road  adorn, 
It  climbs  them  straight ;  but  dubious  of  their  fruit, 
Decrees  them  noxious,  and  deters  their  growth. 
That  roars  unhappy,  midst  prolific  groves, 
'Nor  rests  contented  in  the  dreary  wild ; 
Oft  with  its  scaly  mate  it  winds  along, 
Attacking  what  is  beautiful  and  grand ; 
Oft  on  one  tree  of  generous  fruit  both  prey, 
Devour  its  foliage,  while  their  summer  smiles, 
Like  worms  unsightly,  when  they  strip  the  grove ; 
Ephemeral  insects,  that  will  long  have  died, 
When  the  sack'd  tree  its  wonted  green  resumes, 
And  blooms  with  triumph  of  immortal  praise. 
Before  Necessity  resplendent  stood 
The  storm-allaying  queen,  with  countenance  mark'd 
With  resolution  stern,  and  high  command, 
Thus  speaking :  Doom'd  to  this,  imperious  Need 
What  now  remains,  but  energy,  sore  strife, 
And  mournful  sacrifices,  if  we  save 
The  Russian  realm  and  armies,  close  beset 
By  proud  Ambition's  raging  myrmidons, 
Doubly  equipp'd  by  confidence  and  skill ; 
But  what  alas !  can  mortals  gainst  such  tide 
All  conquering,  and  impell'd  by  fiery  soul  ? 
If  they,  presumptuous,  wait  the  shock  of  fight, 


330  POEMS    OF  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

I  see  them  ruin'd,  or  Jove  such  rebuff 
Their  enemy  give,  as  shall  relax  his  power ; 
But  heaven's  high  king  not  thus  the  world  controls : 
Just  as  a  warrior  views  the  sword  he  wears, 
Its  handle  and  its  point  at  once  beholds ; 
So  Jove  all  comprehends,  life's  deeds,  its  term, 
The  birth  and  death  of  Time ;  yet  lets  man  work 
As  reason  prompts,  and  when  he  fails  to  use 
Due  means  for  ends,  he  treads  the  road  to  wo. 
As  may  the  Gallic  host,  if  Policy 
Defeat  Humanity ;  and  much  I  loth 
The  victory  harsh ;  but  States,  themselves  to  save, 
Let  misery  wide  dominion  hold,  and  blast 
The  peace  of  myriads.     O,  distressful  race  ! 
And  prone  to  folly,  that  one  feeble  man 
Can  rouse  to  tumult,  and  enlist  in  war : 
I  long  have  strove  to  lead  the  world  to  peace ; 
But  ah !  my  votaries  merely  liv'd  to  mourn 
The  frailty  of  their  kind ;  like  fragrant  flowers, 
In  deserts,  chill'd  by  dreary  shade,  they  pin'd 
Among  their  race,  unvalued,  as  unknown. 
To  show  the  want  of  conflagration's  aid, 
Th'  efficiency  of  battle  should  appear  ; 
Then  luck  of  combat  let  the  Russians  try 
In  Moscow's  front,  which  in  dernier  resort, 
May  up  heaven's  vault  in  fierce  combustion  roll. 
If  Russia  prove  victorious  in  the  fight, 
Her  city  lives  with  deathless  glory  won  ; 
The  French  on  Nieper's  banks  must  camp  till  spring ; 
When,  with  increas'd  preponderance,  they  will  course 
O'er  yielding  cities,  and  vain  bleeding  fields, 
And  Russia's  lofty  throne  ;  but  if  defeat 
Attend  her  efforts,  and  her  Moscow  burn, 
The  winter's  rage  will  tame  the  furious  Frank — 
His  legions  strong  to  feeble  vagrants  turn — 
Pale,  starv'd,  and  shivering  in  the  arms  of  death. 
Perhaps  Jove  so  decrees,  in  later  hour 
To  hurl  a  storm  of  long  collecting  wrath 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  331 

On  Gaul's  throne-shaking  Monarch,  and  compel 
His  retrocession  from  the  Knssian  realm, 
And  vex  Ambition  with  prolix  suspense. 

Thus  Wisdom  spoke,  then,  wrapp'd  in  clouds,  descends, 
Accompanied  by  Invention's  parent,  where 
The  Eussians  meditated  bloody  fray ; 
And  to  Kutusoff,  and  his  brave  compeers, 
"Who  stood  consulting,  thus  her  will  reveal'd : 

Since  much  disaster  hath  not  quench'd  the  fire 
By  love  of  glory  bred,  'tis  well  to  join 
With  France  in  mortal  conflict  on  this  field, 
In  which  your  Moscow's  destiny  is  involv'd  : 
If  here  repuls'd,  you  bear  the  yoke  of  Gaul, 
Or  give  to  flames  and  devastation  dread, 
Her  towering  spires,  aud  shock  Humanity 
With  Misery's  wail.     Do  which  you  will,  but  know, 
That  Heaven's  high  ruler  will  enrag'd  behold, 
And  heap  destruction  on  the  odious  head, 
That  without  need  involves  the  world  in  wo. 
E'en  savage  Mars  indignant  views  the  wretch, 
Who  plays  the  butcher's,  not  the  warrior's  part. 

So  she :  Then  thus  Necessity  proceeds : 
Your  needful  actions  great  indulgence  claim  ; 
So  circumstanc'd  what  can  you,  if  o'ercome, 
But  forfeit  loyalty,  or  Moscow  burn  ? 
E'en  Moscow's  ruin  were  a  trivial  price 
For  the  well-being  of  the  Russian  state. 

The  solemn  oath  you  took  to  guard  the  throne 
Demands  th'  exertion  of  your  utmost  means, 
By  me  suggested,  or  my  sage  compeer. 
If  circumstances  in  dilemma  place, 
Where  fair  Humanity,  or  loyal  oath 
Must  be  offended,  should  not  that  be  done, 
Which  highest  duty  dictates  ?  and  for  this, 
Can  the  just  powers  above  be  wroth  ?  for  loud 
Her  voice  commands  what  is  propounded  here  : 
Yet  should  your  Sovereign  sentence  to  destroy 
The  threaten'd  town,  and  his  high  will  the  law 


332  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Irrevocable,  what  but  treason  rude 

Such  ruin  could  avert  ?  for  laws  must  rule, 

And  be  enforc'd,  though  earth  be  wreck'd  the  while. 

But  if  the  light  of  truth  your  minds  illumes 

'Tis  clear,  that  Russia's  King's  is  your  success ; 

For  Gaul's  great  Monarch  hungry  trains  attend, 

On  whom  he  lavishes  the  spoils  of  war 

As  suits  their  merits — other  names  may  rise, 

And  other  dignitaries  where  you  reign, 

If  he,  victorious,  dictate  terms  of  peace. 

So  "Wisdom  counsel'd,  and  the  warrior  sage 
Responded  soon :  Just  is  thy  lore,  and  quick 
Should  ruin  seize  yon  city's  stately  domes, 
"Were  adverse  counsels  not  preferr'd ;  but  youth, 
Untri'd  in  ills,  who  roves  Hope's  laurel'd  field, 
Inflam'd  with  love  of  glory,  will  oppose 
The  slow  and  sure,  and  rush  on  Danger's  jaws 
In  doubtful  fight ;  nor  am  I  less  attach'd 
To  the  grand  charmer,  who  from  early  days 
Has  been  my  theme,  and  urg'd  me  far  from  home, 
And  lov'd  relations,  to  the  tented  fields 
Of  distant  climes ;  but  grey  in  her  pursuit, 
Instructed  in  life's  harsh,  but  useful  school, 
I  shun  the  dubious,  and  the  safe  prefer, 
Which,  in  the  sequel,  will  the  happier  prove ; 
For,  what  ends  well,  though  by  inglorious  means, 
The  fortune-favoring  wrorld  will  most  applaud : 
Dazzled  by  pomp,  they  seek  not  whence  it  comes, 
But  fondly  lick  the  feet  of  guilty  men — 
Treat  with  neglect  and  scorn  the  virtuous  poor, 
While  the  vile  miser  spurns  their  humble  suit. 
So  far  from  merit  worldlings  justice  place : 
So  far  astray  from  justice  avarice  leads  ! 

Thus  he ;  De  Tolly  then :  I  glad  perceive 
One,  whose  attachment  to  the  Russian  State 
Will  not  be  doubted,  all  my  views  approves. 
The  chief,  who  sees  beyond  the  vulgar  sight, 
Uncomprehended,  blamed  by  those  he  saves, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  333 

And  deaf  to  censure,  seeks  a  nation's  good, 

In  purpose  firm,  though  popular  error  crown 

His  head  with  thorns,  those  thorns  will  turn  to  flowers, 

Sure  as  time's  light  dispels  delusion's  gloom. 

Though  much  opposed  to  risk  the  chance  of  fight, 

Yet  since  the  public  voice  the  battle  claims, 

With  joy  I  see  the  chief  command  resign'd 

To  one  in  whom  all  Russian  hearts  confide  ; 

Whose  name  fires  every  breast,  nerves  every  arm  ; 

Beneath  whose  sway  'twill  be  my  pride  to  toil 

In  thickest  conflict,  and  to  win  the  praise 

Of  well  performing  a  subordinate  part. 
Thus  he ;  the  brave  Bagration  soon  begins  : 

'Tis,  doubtless,  safest  to  inglorious  run 

Before  the  foe,  and  intermediate  flames  ; 

But  most  injurious  to  the  general  weal, 

And  what  may  cause  dissatisfaction's  roar, 

More  odious  than  war's  din  ;  If  not,  I  straight 

Would  sign  assent,  and  light  the  valued  pile. 

But  thus  to  act,  before  resort  to  arms, 

In  Moscow's  view,  impolitic  may  prove ; 

Will  it  not  bring  reproach  and  public  wrath  ? 
Ourselves  may  doubt  the  justness  of  the  course, 

When  we  behold  our  nation's  seat  of  pride 
Buried  in  fire,  and  o'er  God's  temples  rave 
Destruction's  demon,  flinging  on  high  heaven 
His  angry  gleams  ;  as  if  the  Titans  bold, 
Freed  from  their  burning  rocks,  and  brazen  chains, 
With  us  allied,  resum'd  the  war  on  Jove. 

Two  weighty  objects  we  attempt  by  fight : 
Our  country's  approbation  of  our  deeds, 
And  the  protection  of  our  church  and  realm ; 
That  would  be  gain'd,  were  this  achieved  with  arms, 
And  not  by  Desolation's  horrid  reign  ; 
Which  may  these  eyes  ne'er  view,  but  swim  in  death 
Midst  direst  slaughter,  and  Earth-shaking  fray, 
In  its  prevention.     Ah,  much  have  they  seen 
Of  Ruin's  scathful  march — too  much,  alas ! 


334  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEtf. 

Hark  !  what  proclaims  !  (it  is  no  enemy's  voice  ;) 

Russians,  be  firm !  no  more  ignobly  walk 

With  eyes  reverted  on  convolving  flames, 

And  wasting  wealth  ;  accoutre  all  your  sons — 

Let  no  more  cities  like  Smolensko  burn, 

That  the  dread  enemy  may  advance  o'er  blood, 

And  wreck  of  life,  bravely  resign'd,  which  soon 

Will  give  him  lamentation  and  regret. 

No  wonder  he  comes  on  such  speedy  pace, 

While  we,  destroying  fly,  confessing  fear  : 

Though  many  wounds  we  gave  him  and  red  fields, 

Inferior  numbers  were  unfit  to  cope 

With  his,  superior,  and  with  science  train'd  ; 

But  now,  with  conjunct  forces,  we  may  turn 

War's  blasting  current  in  less  harmful  course  ; 

Perhaps  compel  the  dreadful  chief  to  flee 

In  ruinous  defeat,  close  urg'd  by  steel, 

To  Poland's  bounds,  or  o'er  Elb's  distant  stream. 

Already  Witgenstein  has  check'd  the  tide 

Towards  Petersburgh  careering  with  grim  frown  ; 

Where  Oudinot,  McDonald,  and  St.  Cyr 

Employ'd  their  federate  arts,  and  armies  vast. 

Dwina's  rough  shores,  grown  odious  to  them  now, 

Since  Kliastitzi,  Yacobouva,  saw 

Their  overthrow,  and  Polotzk  drank  their  gore, 

Shall  henceforth  bound  their  march,  or  be  their  grave. 

Is  Russia's  bravery  all  concentred  there  ? 

Shall  Moscow  say  that  cowards  guard  her  towers  ? 

Our  efforts  too,  may  with  success  be  crown'd, 

Or  show  we  merit,  though  we  not  obtain  : 

Without  the  trial,  none  th'  effect  will  know ; 

Without  th'  attempt  man  scales  not  Fortune's  steep  ; 

Who  fickle,  blind,  the  fate  of  empires  throws  : 

Let  Folly  not  deprive  us  of  the  chance, 

To  win  the  glory  to  our  valor  due, 

Or  take  the  favors  which  she  might  confer. 

So  he,  his  brother  chiefs  assent  declare, 
While  resolution  brighten'd  in  their  eyes, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  335 

And  glorious  hope  impell'd  their  souls  to  war. 

Wisdom  and  her  associate,  with  high  bound, 

Forsook  the  land,  and  swift  as  thought's  career, 

Shot  o'er  the  rolling  clouds  ;  far  stream'd  their  robes 

In  quivering  circles  on  the  flowing  air. 

From  her  bright  waist  a  radiant  scroll  depends, 

Whereon  is  writ,  the  sum  of  days  unborn  ; 

What  time  Sol  from  his  orb  extruded  earth, 

And  Luna  rose  from  broad  Pacific's  deep, 

Thrown  by  dilation  of  th'  imprison'd  air, 

Rocks,  floods,  and  mountains  crumbling  from  her  disk 

Loud  sounding  down  the  chasm,  whence  she  tower'd, 

Where  rival  oceans,  meeting,  furious  rav'd ; 

What  time,  giants  trod  earth,  and  waded  gulfs, 

Which  loftiest  navies  sail ;  dread  beasts,  more  huge 

Than  mammoths  tall,  and  strange  organic  forms, 

Monsters,  unfit  for  being,  early  nipp'd  : 

(The  forms  more  capable  to  life  sustain, 

Still  flourish'd  on  ;  th'  imperfect  famish'd  soon  ; 

Th'  unwieldy,  struggling  for  the  means  of  life, 

Sunk  gradually  in  death  ;  oblivion  seal'd, 

And  mortals  learn  no  more  their  natures,  or  their  names.) 

How  oft  poor  human  kind  had  been  extinct, 

Flourish'd  and  died,  in  earthquakes,  floods,  and  fire, 

Ere  Jove  in  Adam,  last,  the  race  restor'd. 

And  what  the  cycle,  at  whose  close  the  Earth 

Her  green  equator  to  the  poles  removes — 

The  frigid  and  the  torrid  zones  exchang'd — 

While  tempests  and  bewildered  oceans  rage, 

Grim  wandering  from  their  old  abodes  o'er  realms, 

And  continents,  sweeping  cloud-capt  hills  before, 

With  all  the  feeble  works  of  human  pride. 

Soon  light  the  twain  on  the  rough  mount,  and  find 

Severity,  equipp'd  to  make  descent — 

And  thus  Necessity  the  power  advis'd  : 

Since  by  the  voice  of  Wisdom  thou  art  call'd, 
And  part,  by  loyal  duty,  do  not  more 
Than  what  I  dictate,  and  e'en  then  restrain 


336  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Thy  hurtful  fury  :  better  not  perform 

My  whole  command,  than  that  command  exceed  ; 

For  fear  thy  conduct  rouse  the  heavenly  powers, 

And  fiery  angels,  ministers  of  wrath, 

Rush  on  our  mount,  and  me,  thy  mother,  whelm 

In  dark  oblivion,  or  some  hellward  gulf, 

'Midst  roaring  demons,  and  our  native  seat 

Be  rid  of  this  unsullied  fabric,  long 

The  shield  of  duty,  and  the  mint  of  arts — 

And  thenceforth  nam'd,  oh,  odious  to  repeat ! 

Th'  excuse  of  cruelty,  and  barbarous  crime. 

She  spoke,  and  he  departed  on  swift  wings. 

Keen  lightning  seem'd  his  eyes  ;  his  head  a  cloud  ; 

His  voice  harsh  thunder,  and  his  arm  a  storm, 

That  wielded  death  ;  a  whirlwind  flew  before — 

Air  sigh'd,  Heaven  lower'd,  and  darkness  round  him  clos'd. 

The  marvelling  world  beheld  ;  astounded  kings, 

Long  suffering,  doubted  the  result  of  strife 

So  burden'd  with  destruction  ;  yet  the  beams 

Of  joyous  hope  illumin'd  oft  their  breasts. 

Stern  Mars,  astonish'd,  heard  the  general  groan, 

And  grew  tenfold  deformed,  haggard  and  wild. 

Humanity  loud  mourn'd — round  the  vast  globe 

Her  voice  resounded,  and  her  sufferings  told  : 

The  nations  heard — tears  roll'd  down  Pity's  mien  : 

Celestial  Pity  !  as  on  earth  she  roves, 

She  gilds  the  thorny  maze  of  life  with  flowers  ; 

Her  kindness  lights  the  countenance  of  Despair, 

And  her  sweet  language  gladdens  Pain's  dull  ear. 

He  near  the  Eussian  chiefs  alighted,  half 

Divested  of  his  terrors  ;  yet  with  grief 

They  saw  the  power  they  had  invok'd,  and  felt 

Their  loyalty  oppress  ;  but  short  they  paus'd  ; 

For  now  in  view  a  host,  far  spread,  and  bright, 

On  distant  mountains  threat'ning  front  display'd, 

That  rage  inspired  :  magnificent,  the  gleams 

Of  bristling  bayonets  cast  a  dazzling  flood 

Before  them,  as  they  mov'd  to  martial  sounds. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  337 

Thick  rising  cither  way,  as  far  as  one 
Could  view  the  splendid  scene.     Glory  the  while 
In  open  sight,  between  both  hosts  appear'd  ; 
Her  crown  of  rays  divine  effulgence  shed — 
Her  veil  celestial  stream'd  upon  the  wind, 
Sparkling  with  star-like  gems  ;  her  eyes  sublime 
Seem'd  Heaven's  semblance,  and  bespoke  a  soul 
Fir'd  with  the  love  of  honorable  deeds. 
Upon  her  arm  she  bore  unnumber'd  wreaths, 
Form'd  by  her  sportive  train,  that  frequent  rove 
With  pensive  spectres  of  the  mighty  dead, 
And  o'er  the  youthful  breast  enchantment  hold. 
Upon  a  neighboring  mount  she  takes  her  post. 
Fame  from  her  hall  impetuous  downward  wheels, 
And  by  her  side  illustrious  station  fills  ; 
Unwinds  the  snowy  scroll,  and  sits  serene, 
Waiting  the  impulse  of ;  distinguish 'd  deeds. 
Valor  at  distance  stood  in  towerrlike  calm  ; 
Ambition,  restless  as  the  foaming  waves, 
With  antic  gestures  strange  amus'd  the  powers . 
Wisdom  was  near,  e'en  all  the  inspiring  train  ; 
For  now  no  trivial  game  the  nations  play 'd : 
The  prize,  the  mighty  empire  of  the  world  ; 
No  disrespected  warriors  trod  the  field  ; 
And  heroes  of  tried  worth  must  guide  the  storm. 

Napoleon,  meteor-like,  in  lofty  state 
Sped  through  his  lines  with  all-observing  eye  ; 
As  quick  as  light  from  Sol  to  Saturn  darts, 
He  comprehends  the  posture  of  his  powers  : 
By  rapid  glance  of  eye  a  map  is  spread 
Full  in  his  soul,  displaying  hill  and  vale. 
Enthusiastic  clamor  waits  his  course, 
Or  silent  reverence,  and  refulgent  blaze, 
Reflected  by  presentment  of  bright  arms. 
His  charger,  snorting,  with  superior  grace 
Careers  along,  partaker  of  the  fire 
And  dignity  he  bears  :  fleet  as  the  winds, 
On  either  side  of  the  embattled  host, 
22 


338  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENLtf. 

Majestically,  gracefully,  lie  moves  ; 

Then  takes  his  station,  and  forthwith  gives  sign, 

Inviting  to  his  presence  all  his  chiefs, 

Who  swift  around  him  meet.     He  thus  begins  : 

We  need  not  tell  th'  importance  of  this  day 
To  our  campaign  ;  full  twice  ten  days  are  gone, 
Since  near  Smolensko  we  the  victory  won  ; 
Yet  Dwina's  shores  McDonald's  progress  bounds. 
'  Tis  time  to  renovate  successful  strife ; 
With  one  decisive  blow  end  Russia's  reign  ; 
Such  chance  we  long  have  sought ;  we  find  it  here  ; 
Then  let  exerted  skill  your  genius  prove. 
The  task  is  hard,  with  numbers  less,  to  hurl 
The  foe  from  his  trench'd  hill  and  chosen  post ; 
But  dexterous  bravery  may  effect  it  soon. 
Fly  to  Death's  arms  in  preference  to  Defeat's : 
If  one  be  near  me  faithless  of  this  creed, 
Let  him  go  theorise  on  war — not  practice — wheel 
In  tranquil  studious  moments  the  fierce  steeds, 
And  shape  the  lines  of  bloody  battle.     Know, 
'  Tis  easier  to  conceive  than  to  perform  : 
Not  always  rules  with  circumstances  suit ; 
How  oft  unskilful  valor  ruins  states  ! 
O,  could  my  body  with  my  thoughts  career  ! 
The  mind  grasps  the  wide  range  of  earth  and  heaven  ; 
But  yon  poor  hill  dares  me  with  hateful  frown. 

You,  Poniatowski  and  Davoust,  will  lead 
Our  right  against  Bagration's  thundering  lines, 
And  half  form'd  batteries,  labored  work  of  night, 
Which  vanquish'd,  let  the  cavalry  rush  amain 
Through  their  sore  ranks,  and  on  their  centre's  rear 
.Make  deadly  charge  :  while  Ney,  with  timely  speed, 
Will  lead  our  centre,  and  Beauharnois'  skill 
•-Control  our  left  and  make  the  foe  believe 
'  Tis  there  we  mean  to  employ  our  utmost  might. 
Each  act  as  circumstances  shall  require. 
Here  from  Schwardino's  rampart  we  will  hold 
The  reins  of  Battle,  and  to  victory  guide. 


THE   NAPOLEAD. 

First  let  each  captain  of  our  Lost  make  known 

What  we  proclaim  :  Soldiers  !  the  era  comes 

You  much  desired.     You  stand  in  Glory's  field. 

If  not  successful  now,  the  fault  is  yours. 

We  victory  need,  and  all  the  joys  she  brings  ; 

A  quick  return  to  our  lov'd  native  land, 

And  plenteous  fare,  while  winter  reigns,  'twill  give. 

Do  as  on  Austerlitz',  Smolensko's  fields, 

And  late  posterity  will  boast  your  deeds  : 

Our  countrymen  will  say,  when  you  pass  by  : 

"  He  fought  in  that  great  fight  by  Moscow's  walls." 

Thus  speaks  the  sovereign  warrior.     Tendance  mute 

The  chiefs  around  observe  ;  then  reverence  sign, 

And  to  their  posts  depart.     The  sun  had  risen 

In  cloudless  pomp  ;  but  soon  in  misty  veil 

He  wrapt  his  blazing  face,  and  dusky  shades 

Spread  o'er  the  world,  favoritig  Napoleon's  views. 

When  done  preluding  Poniatowski  mov'd 
With  his  great  host  against  the  Russian  powers. 
Davoust  close  follow'd,  like  a  gloomy  flood 
By  winds  disturb'd,  rolling  in  vengeance  forth  ; 
Their  coming,  thunder  told,  and  missive  globes 
From  neighboring  heights,  swift  darting  with  dread  force, 
Tormenting  the  dark  air,  and  bearing  death. 
Wide  through  the  Russian  ranks  they  ruthless  sweep, 
While  red  streams  flow,  and  dying  groans  arise. 
Loud  rending  through  the  ground,  they  toss  up  clouds 
Of  dust  and  gravel ;  thousands  lose  the  light, 
And  stand  distracted  midst  th'  increasing  storm. 

Russia  returns  the  dreadful  messengers  ; 
Loud  houras  rise  ;  her  heroes  angry  smile 
With  fearless  ardor  ;  laboring  far  and  wide 
Begins  tremendous  fray.     Ney  pours  along 
With  all  his  myriads  ;  next  Beauharnois  comes 
With  torrent  speed  ;  opes  wide  the  gates  of  death  ; 
Attacks  a  main  redoubt,  with  boundless  rage, 
That  Russia  thither  may  her  forces  bring, 
Weakening  her  left ;  but  well  Kutusoff  knew 


340  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

His  enemy's  aim,  and  Bagawout  thus  commands  : 

Lead  your  division  to  Bagration's  aid, 
Lest  soon  the  French  in  thunder  o'er  him  drive. 
'  Tis  not  on  his  opponent's  strongest  point 
Napoleon  spends  his  choicest  strength.     Ere  long, 
A  fiercer  storm  upon  our  left  will  fall ; 
Which  back  upon  his  lines  I  trust  will  roll ; 
Then  swift  our  cavalry  to  our  right  transferr'd, 
Shall  teach  the  foe  a  feint  has  still  its  snares, 
And  give  his  own  left  what  he  meant  for  ours  ! 

Thus  he  ;  meanwhile  all  Borodino  roars — 
Herself  in  flames  shoots  up  a  hideous  glare — 
Full  twice  twelve  hundred  thunderers  huge  spread  death 
From  flank  to  flank  of  fierce  contending  powers. 
The  heavens  and  earth  are  snatch'd  from  human  sight. 
A  darkness  horrible  envelops  all, 
In  which  tremendous  tragedy  careers. 
More  plenteous  fly  the  whizzing  balls  than  flakes, 
When  Boreas  drives,  tumultuous,  clouds  on  clouds, 
Scattering  o'er  half  the  nations  seas  of  hail. 
Big  gulfs  of  fire  gleam  frightful,  and  dark  truce 
Rapid  succeeds,  while  round  the  thundering  din, 
And  screams  of  ghastly  mortals,  trampled  low, 
Heaven's  concave  rend.     Fast  on  the  Russian  left 
Davoust  impels  his  legions,  fury-arm'd, 
And  thus  addresses  Marion  :  Yon  redoubts 
That  flame,  defensive  of  the  desperate  foe, 
With  your  brigade  ascend.     Let  Fucher  rush 
With  all  his  cavalry  sudden  on  their  guns 
In  tempest  fury,  that  they  swift  recede 
From  their  far  butchering  ramparts,  big  with  death  ! 

Thus  order'd,  rapid  as  Niagara's  floods 
Pour  down  their  lofty  cataract,  the  grim  powers 
On  Russia  headlong  rush  spreading  dismay, 
In  close  embattled  ranks,  and  squadrons  deep, 
Through  which  huge  globes  assert  their  fatal  course. 
High  o'er  the  parapets  the  French  advance  ; 
The  thunderers  of  the  battle  cease,  and  o'er  them  fall 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  341 

Their  bold  defenders,  fighting  e'en  in  death. 
While  Russia's  shatter'd  phalanx  backward  moves, 
Still  scattering  ruin  on  the  following  foe. 
Bagration  sees,  and  thus  to  Karpoff  speaks  : 

Lo  !  Hope's  main  prospect  darkening — forthwith  speed 
To  renovate  resistance  ;  urge  our  bands 
To  their  ]ost  ground  :  those  hundred  guns  regain 
Half  yielded  to  the  foe.     Karpoff  departs 
Precipitate  through  the  long  flashing  lines, 
High  brandishing  bright  sword,  where  thickest  fight 
Roar'd  hideous,  wild  !  and  audience  thus  essays  : 

Soldiers  !  where  fly  ye  ?  cease,  oh  !  shameful  rout ; 
For  though  Sol  veils  his  head  in  clouds  ;  though  night 
Seems  lurking  here  ;  yet  know,  your  country  soon 
Will  see  this  sad  reverse  in  deep  regret, 
And  damn  her  recreant  sons,  as  she  deplores 
Her  holy  saints  profan'd,  her  altars  raz'd, 
And  writhes  in  conflagration.     Turn  !  then,  turn  ! 
The  sword  of  vengeance  wield  !     Let  every  nerve 
With  our  great  cause  accord  ;  nor  let  hell's  arm, 
Though  cloth'd  with  thunder,  'gainst  our  God  prevail. 

The  toil-worn  heroes  hear  ;  their  wreary  souls 
Swell  doubly  wrathful,  and  like  bullets  hurl'd 
From  their  deep  dark  recesses,  rush  they,  fierce 
Against  their  blood-stain'd  foe ;  nor  storming  Gaul 
They  deem  shall  check  their  dreadful  speed  till,  plum'd 
With  victory,  they  dispatch  tjie  vengeful  balls 
From  their  redoubt  regain'd.     France  meets  the  shock 
As  some  great  admiral's  ship  meets  ocean's  waves, 
When  winds  have  swept  the  masts  of  all  their  sails, 
And  laboring  hard,  she  drifts  before  the  storm. 
JSTow  here,  now  there,  her  warriors  bold  recede, 
And  strike  with  guns  revers'd,  and  bayonet's  thrust. 
Though  many  Russians  die,  their  comrades  brave 
Pour  on  revengeful,  wielding  deadly  arms. 
Uncertain  victory  reels  from  side  to  side, 
At  length  remains  with  France  ;  her  foe  recoils 
In  wounded  plight  midst  thundering  iron  showers, 


342  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  Semenoskow  and  her  bulwarks  leaves. 

'  Twas  then,  brave  Karpoff,  thou  didst  yield  tliy  breath, 

And  groan  away  distinguish'd  life,  pertus'd 

By  ruthless  bullet,  when  success  was  near. 

And  you,  bold  Marion,  fearless  in  war's  van, 

Heard  Death's  dread  summons,  and  rejoined  the  dust. 

Thy  melancholy  shade,  above  the  world, 

Then  pensive  view'd  contention's  bitter  storm, 

The  tumult,  darkness,  flames  and  terrors  there, 

Incurious  of  its  great  result,  and  flew 

Directly  to  thy  France,  and  gaz'd  unseen, 

On  all  that  bound  thee  to  the  walks  of  men  ; 

As  yet  joy  fill'd  thy  halls  (thy  fate  unknown)  ; 

ISTo  widow  there  her  matchless  lord  deplor'd — 

No  children  startling  at  her  grief,  inquir'd, 

If  they  should  never  see  their  father  more. 

Thou  wouldst  have  spoke,  but  ah,  no  voice  was  thine 

To  breathe  thy  fondness  to  the  dear  ones  there  : 

Still  didst  thou  wander  round  thy  grateful  home 

Awhile ;  then  pass'd  away  on  moaning  wind, 

And  rov'd,  perhaps,  where  Fancy  never  rov'd. 

Kutusoff,  now,  bids  PlatofF  quickly  charge 

The  Gallic  left,  with  all  his  squadrons'  fleet. 

The  Hetman  speeds,  with  all  his  warrior  train, 
Far  spreading  on  their  nimble  steeds  they  move 
Like  foaming  billows  swift,  with  furious  pace, 
Their  thirsty  spears  protending  as  they  go  : 
As  waves  roll  thundering  at  the  feet  of  winds 
Through  some  late  inundated  forest,  half 
Projecting  from  the  deep,  with  all  its  limbs, 
They  rush  impetuous  on  the  Gallic  powers. 
As  the  drench'd  forest  meets  the  boisterous  waves, 
Bending  and  breaking,  Gaul  the  charge  sustains  : 
Loud  houras  rise,  appalling  shrieks,  and  jar 
Of  headlong  rushing  steeds,  and  iron  sounds. 

Brave  Caulain court  beheld  the  coming  charge — 
And  valiant,  hurried  'gainst  the  great  redoubt 
To  turn  its  thunders  from  the  menac'd  wing  : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  343 

In  thickest  battle  wav'd  his  rnling  sword, 

Sublim'd  by  scenes  that  frustrate  cowards  minds. 

Leading  the  storm  upon  the  bulwark's  brow, 

A  winged  ball  destroy'd  his  lofty  port, 

His  dignities,  exalted  hopes  ;  and  death. 

With  shades  eternal,  veil'd  his  ardent  eyes. 

The  Emperor  sees,  and  quickly  thus  commands  : 

Haste  !  Cleparede  !     Our  wavering  left  relieve — 

Lead  all  thy  legion.     Like  a  tempest  rush 

On  yonder  Cossack  clouds !     The  General  swift 

Leads  on  the  legion  of  the  Vistula  ; 

Darts  past  the  bleeding  squares,  that  need  his  aid, 

And  plunges  in  the  storm  of  charging  hosts, 

Like  lightning  bursting  from  the  frowning  heaven. 

Before  him,  quick,  the  scatter'd  squadrons  fly ; 

Behind,  the  Viceroys's  broken  bands  reform, 

Preparing  to  renew  the  toils  of  fight. 

So  swift  his  cavalry  rush'd,  the  browsing  steeds 

That  roam'd  at  large,  whose  riders  were  no  more, 

Rous'd  by  the  prospect,  join'd  the  rapid  race  ; 

Each  took  his  wonted  station,  as  he  run, 

And  added  weight  and  fury  to  the  charge. 

A  wave  of  wounded  men,  and  streaming  blood, 

And  bounding  steeds,  subsiding  fast  in  death, 

Roll'd  on  behind,  midst  broken  arms  and  groans. 

The  Russians  fled  beneath  the  sheltering  wing 

Of  that  dread  battery's  thunder,  which,  thrice  storm'd, 

Had  thrice  roll'd  back  the  tide  of  death,  and  stood 

Projected  midst  the  war,  the  appui  firm 

Of  either  wing,  and  red  with  heroes'  gore. 

Three  dreadful  hours  had  now  departed — high 
With  horrid  stride  Destruction  walk'd,  and  men 
Unnumber'd  slept  in  palid  stillness  cold ; 
Still  undecided  bled  the  dreadful  field. 
Though,  twice  repuls'd,  again  Bagration's  powers 
Were  moving  fast  th'  offensive  to  resume  : 
Napoleon,  straight,  directs  Murat,  Davoust, 
And  JSTey,  to  move,  with  all  their  thousands,  on 


344:  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

The  Eussian  left ;  assisted  by  Friand, 
"With  his  division,  all  the  park  reserv'd, 
Junot's  Westphalians,  and  Dessaix'  command ; 
Nor  stop,  nor  pause,  until  Bagration's  ground 
Become  their  own,  should  give  them  to  survey 
The  rear  of  Russia's  centre,  thus  unveil'd. 

His  myriads  swift  proceed  beneath  dark  clouds  ; 
Their  loud  artillery,  with  realm-shaking  roar, 
Rends  the  deep  rooted  hills  with  deadly  blows, 
O'erwhelming  thousands,  like  the  hand  of  Jove, 
When  quakes  the  world  and  tumble  towns  and  towers. 
A  miry  Syrtis  seemed  the  trembling  field, 
O'erspread  with  fading  youths,  rolling  in  gore, 
Myriads  clay-cold  and  dead,  and  shiver'd  arms — 
Yast  wreck  of  manly  dignity  and  life, 
Subject  no  more  to  Folly's  giddy  reign. 
In  front  of  bold  Bagration's  line  arose 
A  rampire  of  the  dying  and  the  dead. 
As  the  voracious  crocodile,  with  jaws 
Extended,  baiting  insect  tribes,  shuts  mouth 
Upon  the  swarming  nations,  and  devours, 
So  the  dark  grave  on  half  the  army  clos'd. 
Fierce  as  a  whirlwind  rushes  on  a  grove, 
Rending  its  verdure,  flew  the  French  reserve 
Against  their  foes,  athwart  their  gasping  peers ; 
Steeds,  men,  artillery,  o'er  the  corpses  drive — 
Blood  streams  anew ;  gush'd  entrails  smoke  around, 
And  doubly  hideous  frowns  the  face  of  war. 
The  regal  warrior  rul'd  the  onset  dread ; 
Friand,  Dessaix,  on  battle's  stormy  brow 
Impetuous  rode,  and  breath'd  heroic  rage. 

As  heaven's  high  king  abrupt  might  quit  his  throne, 
Involv'd  in  seas  of  clouds,  while  thunders  roar, 
And  lightnings  quivering  dart,  midst  darkness  dire, 
Grasping  a  world  in  each  resistless  hand 
Midst  their  vehement  speed,  and  swift  as  thoughts 
In  startled  fancy  play,  from  their  old  seats, 
And  ancient  orbits  in  collision  hurl, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  345 

Their  ponderous  orbs  confounding,  with  their  towers, 
Mountains,  vast  continents,  and  ocean  isles, 
So  meet  the  hostile  squadrons ;  all  the  field 
Quakes  with  new  terrors ;  sudden  tumult  spreads, 
Groans,  thunders,  shouts,  and  bray  of  clashing  arms ; 
The  living  ocean  in  wild  madness  raves  ; 
France  plunges  furious  into  clouds  of  foes ; 
Nor  ought  permits  to  turn  her  headlong  course 
O'er  mountains  of  the  dead,  and  crimson  floods. 
Russia  opposes  many  a  dreadful  grove 
Of  bristling  bayonets ;  many  a  squadron  bold 
And  Cossack  spear,  and  fearless  breast,  that  meets 
The  deadly  torrent,  acts  its  part,  and  dies. 
But  far  along  begins  increasing  rout, 
Pale  consternation  and  bad  disarray  : 
Bragation  sees — pain  stings  his  ardent  soul — 
For  Russia's  state  he  sorrows,  and  forth  speeds 
"Where  thickest  battle  rages  ;  and  thus  loud 
Hails  his  retiring  legions  :  Soldiers  !  cease 
To  blast  our  laurels.     Shun  abhorred  disgrace. 
Think  ye  to  longer  hold  inglorious  life 
By  foul  abandonment  of  this  red  ground, 
Where  Jove  in  kindness  gives  you  chance  to  hurl 
The  bolts  of  vengeance  on  the  unrighteous  foe  ? 
Who  Europe's  length  has  travers'd  to  destroy 
Our  happiness,  and  altars  of  God. 

His  voice  revives  their  fury  ;  where  he  rides, 
War's  horrors  thicken,  and  the  battle  grows : 
Muskets  revers'd,  with  ponderous  force  descend, 
Dislodging  brains,  and  sweeping  life  away. 
Sabres  clash  loud — bayonets  are  toss'd  on  high — 
Death's  groans  and  Victory's  shouts  resound  with  bray 
Of  steely  storm ;  foes  grapple  foes,  depriv'd 
Of  iron  weapons,  wrestling  in  hot  mood — 
Striving  for  future  days — their  heels  upturn 
The  bloody  soil,  and  crush  the  fallen  brave, 
Till  their  companions  pierce  the  struggling  foe 
In  vital  part,  and  rid  them  of  their  toil. 


346  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

France,  half  repuls'd  by  such  rebuff,  renews 
The  fire  of  combat  with  increas'd  uproar  : 
Redoubled  clash,  disploding  arms  resound  ; 
•  Flames,  smoke  and  carnage,  deck  the  shuddering  field. 
Fast,  where  they  stand,  long  dying  mountains  rise ; 
Earth  groans  beneath,  with  reeking  torrents  dyed, 
And  deadly  Havoc  triumphs  far  around. 

Bagration  falls,  a  thunderbolt  of  war, 
A  flying  death  pierc'd  his  brave  breast,  while  bold 
He  urg'd  his  countrymen  to  Victory's  throne. 
His  beauteous  princess  shall  no  more  behold 
The  living  hero  and  the  tender  friend 
Return  from  war,  with  verdant  laurels  crown'd. 
With  hers  shall  flow  a  grateful  nation's  tears. 
In  mournful  brightness,  in  her  memory's  day, 
Unfading,  fresh,  untouch'd  by  withering  time, 
And  flush'd  with  glory's  light,  she  long  will  see 
Her  bosom's  lord,  as  when  she  last  beheld, 
And  heard  his  long  adieu,  and  thought  she  saw 
A  torrent  flood  of  valor  deathward  bound. 

Garghikoff,  too,  by  ruthless  bayonet  stabb'd, 
In  the  dire  tumult  fell  on  bloody  heaps, 
And,  whelm'd  in  darkness,  dream'd  of  wars  no  more. 

.Napoleon,  wroth  at  Fortune's  sluggish  pace, 
Impatient  drew  his  sword  and  had  sped  forth, 
Midst  hottest  combat,  with  his  faithful  guard  ; 
Or  took  the  station  of  inferior  chief 
To  urge,  precipitate,  the  bleeding  host, 
Where  death  or  victory  soon  would  end  suspense ; 
But  Prudence  saw,  as  by  her  parent's  side 
In  plenitude  of  light  she  sate,  and  swift 
Flew  to  his  presence,  and  thus  calm'd  his  rage  : 

Sovereign,  bellipotent,  know,  man  thou  art ; 
Nor  more,  nor  less  ;  and  that  in  yon  red  field, 
Midst  its  wild  uproar,  flames  and  stunning  sounds, 
Thou  couldst  not  wield  a  superhuman  sword, 
And  thousands  terminate  :  Fortune  may  deign 
To  give  superior  sway;  but  she  deceives 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  347 

Her  favorites ;  oft  from  proud  pre-eminence 
Precipitates  them  midst  the  powerless  poor, 
To  mourn  past  height,  and  weep,  and  grovel  there : 
Prudence,  alone,  can  keep  what  she  bestows. 
The  whizzing  iron  deaths  thick  swarming  round, 
Might  pierce  thy  mortal  veil — thy  spirit  pass 
The  ghastly  gate,  which  opes  on  worlds  unknown, 
And  Europe  feel  thy  great  control  no  more. 
Then  rest  secure.     Mild  Wisdom  will  direct 
What  apt  manoeuvre  may  new  face  the  field. 
Employ  not  thy  reserves  in  needless  fight, 
The  guard,  the  army's  nucleus,  and  thy  shield. 
Perform  what  man  can  do,  nor  more  attempt ; 
Nor  let  tumultuous  anger  rend  thy  breast ; 
For  what  can  change  the  past  ?     Submit  to  FateT 
And  still  Napoleon  be,  or  high,  or  low. 

She  spoke,  and  vanish'd  ;  but  her  words  remain'd 
Deep-laboring  in  his  soul — her  voice  still  seem'd 
Inspiring  lofty  mood,  and  sober  thought, 
When  thus  he  brief  addressed  th'  all-ruling  God  : 
"  Jove,  grant  what  I  desire  !  "     Heaven's  Monarch  hears— 
And  pleas' d  admits  the  supplication  pure, 
Which  question'd  not  th'  omniscience  of  his  mind. 

The  while  from  wing  to  wing  of  either  host 
War  casts  his  direst  flames — Key  in  the  midst 
Like  Andes  stood,  when  storms  around  him  roar, 
The  centre  ruling.     Friant  and  Plazome, 
Morand,  Montbrun,  sub-rulers  of  his  host, 
Impelling  fierce  brigades,  infuriate  drove 
Against  the  foe,  while  balls,  cross-darting,  tore 
Sad  passage,  and  a  bleeding  mountain  rose 
Between  both  armies,  howling  with  keen  pangs, 
The  fam'd  Kutusoff,  and  De  Tolly,  there, 
Urg'd  desperate  opposition :  many  a  charge 
Both  hosts  endur'd ;  unnumber'd  heroes  died : 
Death,  with  cold  grasp,  embrac'd  the  brave  Montbrun, 
Touczkoif,  and  Konovitzen  ;  on  red  ground, 
Midst  clashing  steel  and  prancing  steeds  they  fell — 
Their  bloody  laurels  flourish  o'er  their  graves. 


348  '  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Each  army,  like  a  single  warrior,  fights, 
Wielding  his  giant  limbs,  in  mutual  aid, 
As  if  one  soul  the  .several  parts  informed, 
Th'  artillery  now  the'  advancing  masses  rends  ; 
Facilitates  the  rushing  cavalry's  charge ; 
Now  smites  a  bristling  hill,  that  infantry 
May  storna  it  with  success ;  and  now  the  foot 
Reciprocates  th'  assistance  ;  in  dense  squares, 
Resists  th'  attempt  to  spike  the  thundering  arms ; 
While  the  fleet  cavalry  flies  to  rescue  all, 
Assails  the  enemy's  flanks,  and  sudden  throws 
The  needed  aid  upon  th'  endanger'd  point. 

Beauharnois  on  the  left,  all  the  dire  day, 
The  deadly  combat  rul'd.     Compere,  Friant, 
And  many  a  hero  there,  distinguish'd,  fought. 
To  them  Kutusoff  equal  skill  oppos'd — 
The  hostile  powers  decisive  valor  fir'd. 
There  none  gave  way  ;  a  bleeding  breastwork  rose 
Before  their  lines,  and  Havoc  ghastly  smil'd.  - 
There  thou,  Compere,  forgot  the  scenes  of  life  ; 
Expiring  under  heaps  of  mortals  dead — 
The  sanguine  torrent  was  thy  winding  sheet — 
Thy  Dirge  the  voice  of  Horror  and  Dismay, 
Mingled  with  warrior's  shouts  and  thundering  sounds. 
Lepel,  Compans,  Plauzonne  and  Huard  fell, 
Like  the  fair  columns  of  some  temple  grand, 
The  work  of  Grecian  genius,  when  assail'd 
By  Vandal  storm.     In  floods  of  gore  they  lay — 
Their  features  chaste,  and  manly  beauty  soil'd — 
Low  trampled  by  the  hoofs  of  fiery  steeds. 

Napoleon  urges  fast  his  lengthen'd  right 
To  leftward  wheel  against  the  masses  dense, 
That  bleeding  stand  amidst  the  iron  hail, 
Loth  to  recede,  unable  to  advance  ; 
Bids  Naples'  king,  with  all  his  cavalry,  sweep 
Through  their  rent  lines,  and  signal  victory  win. 

Onward,  laboring  in  blood,  the  myriads  move 
O'er  their  fall'n  comrades,  and  fresh  bleeding  foes. 
Murat,  preceded  by  destructive  showers 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  349 

Of  iron  globes,  in  thunder  hurl'd,  advanced 

Like  gloomy  clouds  by  raging  whirlwinds  driven  : 

His  ponderous  forces  rash  on  bristling  arms  ; 

Death  spreads,  earth  trembles,  Victory  shouts  for  Gaul ; 

Her  manly  accents  rise  above  the  storm. 

*On  Gallic  eyes  she  bursts,  a  blaze  of  joy, 

Bright  streaming  midst  the  dreadful  rage  of  fight ; 

Outshining  Mars  and  all  the  pomp  of  arms. 

"With  matchless  grace,  she  takes  from  Glory's  hand 

The  wreath  of  triumph  and  Napoleon  crowns. 

But  Valor  proudly  looks  on  either  host ; 

And  claims  for  suffering  Russia  equal  palms. 

Platoif,  unhappy,  saw  defeat  betide 
The  ardent  valor  which  his  troops  display'd  ; 
He  will'd  again  t'  array  his  shatter 'd  force, 
To  plunge  infuriate  in  the  lines  of  France, 
And  end  his  grief  in  victory  or  the  grave  ; 
But  day's  bright  orb  below  th'  horizon  fled, 
A  starless  night  came  o'er  the  direful  field, 
And  grateful  truce  to  warring  nations  gave. 

A  clamor  now,  from  wounded  mortals,  rose 
O'er  all  the  slippery  field,  that  told  its  bounds 
Invisible  ;  for  night  inviolate  reign'd. 
There  twice  twelve  thousand  slept,  to  wake  no  more, 
And  thirsty  myriads  groan'd,  and  pray'd  for  death. 

The  French  contiguous  to  the  field  remain 
Through  the  damp,  dolorous  night.     Dull  Somnus  sheds 
His  balm  reluctant  o'er  their  weary  limbs  ; 
For  horrid  sounds  invade  their  ears,  and  arms 
Of  phantom  soldiers  menace  to  destroy, 
While  they,  to  parry  blows,  feel  battle's  toil. 

Not  so  with  their  great  ruler — he  repos'd 
Like  the  vast  ocean  in  its  waveless  calm, 
When  sleeps  the  giant  power  that  shakes  the  globe  ; 
Nor  in  his  breast  the  fate  of  empires  roll'd, 
Till  the  nocturnal  shades  had  disappear'd, 
And  Phoebus  orient  fill'd  the  throne  of  morn. 


BOOK    VI. 


ANALYSIS. 

The  conflagration  of  Moscow  and  complaint  of  Philanthropy.  Alexan 
der's  prayer.  Jove,  observing  the  preponderance  of  Russia's  fate,  bids  Uriel 
command  Wisdom  not  to  influence  the  Passions,  until  she  heard  his  thunder. 
Moved  by  Providence,  Ambition,  Pride,  Rashness  and  Vanity  debate.  Am 
bition  offends  Rashness  ;  both  fight  in  the  temple.  The  crowd  rush  out, 
urging  the  combatants.  A  general  battle  ensues.  Glory  meeting  Ambi 
tion,  the  latter  is  overcome.  Rashness,  at  length,  aided  by  Folly,  collects 
her  followers,  and  assails  her  opponents,  who  are  led  by  Vanity.  Jove  now 
bids  Gabriel  wield  his  thunder.  Wisdom,  at  the  signal,  with  Prudence, 
rushes  to  victory.  Then  by  her  advice  Napoleon  retreats.  Battles  of  Mala- 
Yarowslavetz,  Vercia  and  Wiazma.  The  French  are  attacked  by  Winter. 
Their  distress.  Battle  of  Krasnoi,  of  the  Berezina,  and  return  of  Napoleon 
to  Paris. 

WHAT  dismal  scenes  appear,  surpassing  song — 
With  ruin  big,  and  full  of  human  wo  ! 
Ah,  who  can  paint  the  horror  of  that  day, 
Which  saw  black  Ruin  shake  great  Moscow's  towers  ; 
Her  natives  banish'd,  or  devour'd  by  flames  ; 
When  gorgon  Havoc  thunder'd  at  her  doors, 
And  on  the  gather'd  wealth  of  ages  preyed. 

Escap'd  from  Borodino's  dreadful  field, 
The  Russian  armies  melancholy  pass'd 
Through  the  sad  town — before  mov'd  gory  wains, 
Burden'd  with  wo,  and  thrice  ten  thousand  fell'd 
In  battle.     Rumor  stirr'd  the  credulous  crowd 
With  horrid  tales  of  Gaul ;  Despair  and  Fear 
Their  gloomy  pinions  o'er  the  city  wav'd. 
She  now  outpour'd  her  bustling  swarms,  now  blaz'd 
Before  Rastopkin's  torch,  the  glittering  spires 
Suffus'd  with  bickering  flame  and  smoky  cloud. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  351 

Humanity,  with  unavailing  voice, 

Forbid  the  ruin,  Policy  advis'd. 

Unnumber'd  Russians  saw  their  all  destroy'd 

In  tearful  mood,  to  Providence  resigned, 

Or  desperate  plung'd  into  the  wrathful  fire. 

With  lamentations,  miserable  moans, 

Loud  howls,  from  all  the  burning  ocean  rise. 

Through  lofty  temples  Ruin  fiercely  drives 

In  raging  flames,  and  shoots  in  whirlwinds,  round 

The  blazing  domes.     Nine  times  the  rolling  World 

Fac'd  Sol  with  rival  fires — while  leeward  roll'd 

A  smoky  ocean,  darkening  distant  realms, 

Thick  spangl'd,  many  a  league,  with  sparkling  streams  ; 

Ere  France  encamp'd  among  the  smouldering  piles 

Of  crumbling  palaces  and  princely  seats, 

Midst  desolation  drear,  and  scenes  of  wo. 

It  seem'd  no  more  that  Moscow,  which  of  late, 

Glittering  with  golden  spires,  and  domes  superb, 

Held  happy  thousands  following  various  toil ; 

Where  commerce,  with  industrious  hand,  diffus'd 

The  sweets  of  life,  and  gave  exuberant  wealth ; 

Where  bells,  thick  sounding,  waken'd  pious  care, 

And  busy  myriads  walk'd  confusedly  gay  ; 

The  fair,  unconscious  of  impending  ills  ; 

And  children  loud  with  joy  of  life's  bright  morn. 

Philanthropy,  in  tears,  survey'd  the  scene, 

And  thus  complain'd  :  Forgotten  by  my  race, 

Where  shall  I,  hapless  vagrant,  find  repose  ? 

Nor  seas,  nor  lands  delight  me  more  :  fell  war 

Commands  my  absence,  tho'  by  stealth,  I  tread 

Where  he  has  march'd  to  heal  the  wounds  he  leaves. 

Earth's  sons  have  seen  Sol  pass  through  all  the  signs 

Since  e'en  from  Franklin's  country  peace  was  driven  : 

Contention's  woful  empire  girds  the  globe — 

Ah,  when  will  Howard's  spirit  rule  the  world  ! 

In  him  the  virtues  liv'd,  and  mourn'd  for  man. 

When  mighty  kings  shall  be  forgot,  his  name 

Shall  honor 'd  sound  along  the  wild  of  years  ; 


352  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

He  by  example  taught  my  lore,  and  sooth'd 
The  miseries  of  his  kind.     Oh,  how  unlike 
Who  plunge  great  nations  into  murderous  war  ! 
Glad  years,  by  Hope  to  Yirtue  promis'd,  haste, 
Pass  the  wide  gulf  of  vice-infected  time ! 
Of  glory  full  of  the  redeeming  God ; 
O  come  with  all  your  joys,  with  dove-like  peace, 
And  wipe  away  our  tears  !     Fly,  lingering  gloom  ! 
Insult  not  Wisdom  more ;  let  earth  rejoice 
In  light,  in  innocence,  and  sacred  love, 
Approv'd  before  th'  omniscient  judge  of  worlds. 

So  speaking,  Heaven  she  scal'd  on  murky  cloud  ; 
A  pensive  sadness  fell  on  nature's  face — 
Resemblance  of  the  melancholy  mind. 

The  while,  Kutusoff  to  his  monarch  sends 
The  dismal  message,  of  his  Moscow  fled 
On  burning  wings  away  ;  its  site  attain'd 
By  his  great  enemy  ;  but  presumes  the  realm 
From  hostile  rule  secure  ;  on  hope  relies, 
And  bids  him  patient  hear  the  voice  of  fate. 
But  Alexander,  griev'd  at  ruin's  march, 
Humbly  thus  prays  :  O  king  of  kings  attend 
To  misery's  voice,  and  heal  the  raging  wounds 
Wide  gaping  in  my  soul !  Grant,  that  my  powers 
May  prove  victorious,  and  Napoleon  know 
The  darkness  of  defeat ;  his  wrath  subside 
In  floods  of  evil  fortune ;  his  high  hand, 
Which  menaces  the  world,  be  rendered  null, 
To  threaten  earth's  legitimate  kings  no  more, 
With  arms,  or  doctrine  of  plebeian  source. 
Oh,  condescend  to  notice  princes'  tears — 
May  we  deserve  thy  mercy  in  our  need  ! 
Long,  long,  our  realm's  integrity  maintain : 
For  such  great  kindness,  all  that  man  can  give 
I  yield — a  grateful,  pure,  and  upright  heart. 

Heaven's  monarch  heard,  as  high  above  the  sun 
And  stellar  orbs,  he  fill'd  his  dazzling  throne, 
Scanning  infinity  with  mild  regard : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  353 

The  Russian  and  the  Gallic  merit  weigh'd : 

The  scale  of  France  ascended ;  Russia's  fell — 

He  straight  pronounc'd  their  doom,  and  gave  the  nod  : 

As  bow'd  his  head,  immensity  was  mov'd. 

Then  to  Uriel  forthwith  gave  command 

To  order  Wisdom,  not  to  mix  in  strife 

With  Passions,  till  th'  almighty  signal  given  : 

Loud  bellowing  thunder,  and  wide  sea  of  storm. 

Swift  Jove's  bright  herald  spreads  his  blazing  wings, 
For  Wisdom's  calm  abode.     He  found  her  soon 
In  beauty  unadorn'd  ;  her  shield  and  arms 
Neglected  lay  contiguous ;  her  bright  eyes 
Were  roving  thro'  the  gloom  of  ages  past, 
In  sober  converse,  with  th'  historic  muse ; 
She  blush'd,  though  calm,  to  see  Sol's  regent  bright 
Of  giant  stature :  As  on  earth  he  strode 
O'er  empires  at  each  step,  his  locks  of  gold 
In  th'  empyrean  blaz'd ;  his  arm  before 
Remov'd  th'  obstructing  clouds,  that  darkly  roll'd 
Upon  his  left,  and  fell  in  fitful  showers. 
Celestial  lightnings  round  his  garment  play'd, 
That  flowing  far  th'  horizon  streak'd  with  fire  : 
His  jasper  seeming  wings  shed  dazzling  light ; 
And  god-like  countenance  reverend  awe  inspir'd. 
She  courteous  asks  :  From  what  superior  world, 
And  on  what  errand,  he  to  earth  descends  ? 
Adding  ;  canst  thou  be  him,  I  recent  deem'd 
Would  come,  auspicious,  from  the  throne  of  Jove 
Intent  with  me  to  urge  the  fate  of  men  ! 

The  angel  answers :  Messenger  I  come 
From  Heaven's  eternal  king ;  who  bids  thee  stay 
Thy  potent  arm,  nor  join  th'  impassion'd  war, 
Till  he  give  signal  in  the  neighboring  skies : 
Loud  sounding  thunder,  and  wide  sea  of  storm. 
Hence  I  presage  that  victory  and  thyself 
Will  jointly  walk,  and  hush  the  noisy  jar  ; 
But  in  late  hour,  and  on  an  evil  day. 

He  spoke,  and  distant  clouds  return'd  his  voice. 
23 


354:  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIK, 

Wisdom  replied :  I  see  the  coming  strife — 

'Twill  not  accord  then  with  decided  fate 

T'  exert  my  power,  till  Jove  display  the  sign ! 

She  ended.     The  bright  angel  turning,  soar'd 
On  lightning  pinions,  clouds  flew  downward  urg'd 
By  wings  celestial ;  swift  beyond  her  view 
And  planetary  orbits  he  obtain'd, 
And  mingled  with  the  joyful  sons  of  Heaven. 

Meantime,  at  Jove's  command,  grave  Providence 
The  Passions  summon 'd  to  the  dome  of  Fame. 
In  shining  circles  through  the  ample  hall, 
They  stream'd  with  faces  bright ;  yet  secret  vex'd, 
They  often  darken'd  with  tempestuous  frowns. 
The  judge  involv'd  in  lambent  clouds  of  gold 
Uplifts  his  arm  ;  and  sudden  thunder  shakes 
The  glowing  temple ;  silence  deep  succeeds ; 
While  thus  he  speaks  :  The  Gallic  Emperor  camps 
On  Moscow's  site  ;  shall  he  continue  there  ? 
Or  straight  retrace  his  steps  to  Niemen's  stream  ? 
In  your  decision  lies  the  fate  of  realms. 

Ambition  first,  despondent  thus  began  : 
Sad  is  the  climax  of  these  mighty  deeds, 
Progressing  long — Fulfiller  of  the  fates  ! 
This  conflagration  in  thy  breast  conceal'd, 
Permitted  me  to  dote  on  future  time 
And  great  Napoleon ;  but  my  sightless  mind, 
And  unprophetic  nature,  now  ill  seem 
Adapted  to  do  more  than  humbly  hope ; 
The  common  course  of  things  may  sudden  change : 
Who  had  believed  Russia  would  Moscow  burn, 
And  on  herself  such  sad  destruction  bring ! 
What  dire  defence  !  what  cruel  height  of  rage, 
And  boundless  woe  will  tyranny  indulge ! 
My  expectations  blasted,  Hope's  fair  boon, 
The  winter  shield,  great  Moscow,  now  no  more, 
Is  it  not  meet  that  Gaul's  long  trains  return 
To  Dwina's  stream,  while  the  mild  season  reigns, 
Whose  rapid  march  will  soon  arrive  midst  snows, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  355 

Destructive  frost,  dark  skies,  and  chilling  winds  ? 
The  staff  whereon  we  lean'd  has  broke — the  base 
On  which  was  superstructed  the  resolve 
To  enter  Moscow's  walls  by  one  campaign, 
Has  fail'd ;  why  then  persist  in  that  attempt  ? 
Why  tarry  where  it  was  unwise  to  come  ? 
Whence  will  the  sustenance  of  his  troops  be  drawn  ? 
Sure  not  from  Poland,  as  Moldavia's  host, 
(Uncheck'd  by  Swartzenburg,)  will  soon  evince. 
Nor  from  the  Ukraine  :  Lectascova's  camp 
Effectual  interdiction  will  oppose. 
In  truth  th'  alternate  Fate  vouchsafes  to  give 
The  Chief,  is  instant  flight,  or  ruin  vast. 

Next  Pride  imperious,  thus  vehement  spoke : 
Earth-ruling  power,  by  whom  great  nations  fall, 
'Preserve  my  pleasures  had  in  Gaul's  fam'd  Chief, 
When  kingdom-shaking  Victory  glads  his  soul. 
Methinks  he  should  on  Moscow's  site  remain 
'Till  winter  melt  beneath  the  breeze  of  spring. 
Would  Russia  dare  disturb  his  dread  repose  ? 
Front  Borodino's  victor  in  his  camp  ? 
But  some  Moldavian  army  threats  his  rear  ! 
And  Famine  menaces  what  way  he  turns  ! 
Has  then  Ambition  leap'd  a  realm  too.  far  ? 
Will  comfortless  retreat  alone  secure  ? 
Not  circumstances,  but  the  hero  rules 
Inflexible — he  never  learn'd  to  flee. 
Though  disappointment  mov'd  his  soul  that  day, 
When  Moscow  roll'd  along  the  skies  in  smoke, 
And  danc'd  on  winds,  he  stood  unaw'd ;  me  call'd 
And  Yalor  :  in  his  presence  prolix  time 
We  heard  his  dictates,  and  with  pleasure  found 
He  would  not  retrogade  for  cities  burn'd, 
Or  signs  of  cowardice  in  his  mad  foe. 
Before  he  should  retreat  peace  must  be  made ; 
Such  as  the  conqueror  of  a  main  resort, 
Or  capital  of  empire  might  propound ; 
That  he  triumphant  on  retreating  wheels 


356  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

May  drag  the  wealth  and  glory  of  his  foe. 
To  those,  nor  other  terms  will  I  subscribe, 
For  his  abandonment  of  Russia's  realm, 
Though  frightful  Danger  ope  dire  gulf  before. 

Thus  she ;  then  Rashness  with  like  frenzy  speaks : 
Shall  the  great  monarch  with  his  matchless  host, 
Like  timorous  herds,  depart  the  Russian  clime  ? 
Why  not  remain,  'till  the  great  object  won, 
For  which  he  rouses  Europe's  states  to  arms  ? 
What  shall  obstruct  his  high  designs  ?     What  man, 
Without  supernal  aid,  can  harm  him  there  ? 
Speak  nought  of  foul  retreat,  ye  wayward  throng, 
Lest  I  grasp  all  my  stores,  and  with  one  blast 
Confound  your  senses,  and  wild  madness  reign. 

'Tis  unfit  time  to  spread  false  larums  here ; 
If  bold  Ambition  disappointment  feel, 
Must  relaxation  of  the  glorious  toil 
Ensue  ?     Far  different  I  conjecture ;  Pride 
And  Yalor  will  assist  the  potent  Chief 
To  hold  on  Moscow ;  thence  he  will  not  move 
In  sad  recursion  to  Borysthenes, 
Though  thrice  more  inauspicious  fortune  seem. 
Glory  and  Peace  shall  his  return  attend : 
Know,  then,  my  firm  resolve,  which  not  e'en  thou 
O  Judge  of  Earth,  shalt  change,  though  thy  great  sire 
Come  headlong  from  his  flaming  throne,  and  hurl 
Dire  thunderbolts  abroad,  and  frigid  storms, 
Is  Moscow  to  retain  'till  he  make  glorious  peace. 

Although  gigantic  danger  round  him  grows : 
Think  ye,  he  trembles  at  the  force  of  men, 
Or  slow  benumbing  algor  ?     Are  the  brave 
Not  always  free  ?     Before  ignoble  flight, 
'Tis  theirs  to  storm  the  frowning  gate  of  death — 
Tear  tyrants  from  their  thrones — fit  earth  for  life, 
vOr  pass  with  glory  to  the  world  of  souls. 

He  ended.     Vanity  thus  soon  began  : 
Illustrious  power,  we  reverence  thy  decrees, 
Which,  for  long  time,  have  given  me  high  delight 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  35Y 

In  the  great  hero,  whom  we  now  dispose ; 

But  dark  and  varied  are  the  scenes,  before 

His  present  tenor,  and  beyond  the  veil 

That  shrouds  resistless  destiny  from  man, 

Are  many  angry  shapes,  and  dimly  seen. 

Perhaps  the  terror  of  victorious  name, 

Accompanied  by  strong  myriads,  might  command 

Safe  plight  in  Moscow ;  but  deep  doubt  o'erclouds 

The  counsels  of  my  breast :  It  might  result 

Far  better,  timely  to  commence  retreat ; 

But  what  unusual  wonder  will  prevail 

Among  mankind,  if  he  return  unfraught 

With  spoils  of  conquest,  or  without  the  peace 

He  warr'd  to  dictate !     Will  not  Fear  then  say : 

I  him  inglorious  led  to  safer  lands — 

He  heard  my  lore,  obsequious  took  my  course ; 

Else  had  he  perish'd  in  the  hostile  clime, 

And  France  no  more  inspir'd  the  world  with  awe  ? 

Thus  she  ;  Ambition  then  more  bold,  proceeds : 
Retreat !  unhappy  term,  to  me  propos'd, 
Sounds  like  the  lion's  roar  and  vulture's  scream 
To  their  foreboding  victims ;  but  defeat, 
And  general  ruin,  far  more  odious  seem. 
This,  I  presume,  may  happen  to  our  Chief, 
Though  yet  victorious  and  all-conquering  deem'd, 
If  the  sing'd  site  of  Moscow  keep  him  long. 

When  first  he  march'd  on  this  august  campaign, 
I  bid  him  there  abide  the  winter  drear  ; 
But  this  combustion  then  was  not  foreseen. 
'Tis  best  to  act  accordant  with  events, 
Not  rush  with  Rashness  on  uncertain  doom. 
'Tis  sure  unpleasant  to  retrace  the  steps 
Of  mighty  war ;  but  much  I  wish  the  king, 
With  all  his  myriads,  were  in  Poland's  bounds  : 
And  thither  to  arrive  let  him  essay ; 
There  wait  the  beck  of  spring  to  rise  again 
In  the  dread  majesty  of  glorious  war. 

So  speaking,  Rashness,  fir'd  with  vengeance,  rose, 


358  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Grasp'd  her  red  shield,  and  wav'd  her  shining  sword ; 
"While  the  great  Congress  sudden  panic  seiz'd 
Or  bold  emotion ;  swift  they  lift  their  arms, 
Stand  nerv'd  for  battle,  and  defiance  frown. 
Firm  Providence  sat  midst  th'  increasing  fray, 
Like  Andes,  awful,  grand,  and  mild,  when  storms 
Howl  on  his  sides,  dark  heaven's  artillery  sounds, 
And  tempests  rend  his  cliffs  with  dreadful  roar. 

Ambition,  first,  the  rude  disturber  dar'd 
To  measure  prowess  in  th'  adjoining  field. 
He  gladly  heard,  and  to  his  comrades  call'd : 
Eouse  all  your  rage ;  assume  the  trusty  shields ; 
Assert  your  dignity,  nor  be  control'd 
By  the  chill  counsels  of  inglorious  friends. 
Then,  as  a  whirlwind  rushes  on  tall  groves, 
In  wild  confusion  scattering  limbs  and  leaves, 
He  bounds  upon  his  foe ;  nor  waits  the  field 
Propos'd  for  combat :  Midst  the  radiant  Hall 
Their  weapons  clash'd,  and  fearful  tumult  rose. 
Swift  open  flew  the  gates,  with  thundering  sound, 
Before  the  rushing  deluge  of  stern  forms, 
Of  principal,  auxiliar  powers,  all  arm'd 
With  different  weapons,  burning  to  contend. 
Amidst  them  Rashness  and  Ambition  rag'd 
In  boisterous  battle ;  forceful  blows  were  given, 
Black  ire,  keen  threat'iiing,  edg'd  their  fiery  eyes. . 
Urg'd  by  the  crowding  host,  they  reach  the  field ; 
But,  neither  conquering,  separate  to  array 
Their  votaries ;  then  each  lifts  his  standard  high, 
Inviting  followers  :  fruitless  prove  their  pains ; 
For  now  promiscuous  fight  tumultuous  rag'd 
With  stunning  sound,  fast  darkening  all  the  field. 
Tremendous  uproar  thrills  the  startled  sphere ; 
Fame's  temple  quakes ;  Mars,  plum'd  with  horror,  low'rs 
On  flaming  clouds,  loud  thundering  o'er  the  host ; 
Glory,  impetuous,  bounded  midst  the  fray, 
Divested  of  her  starry  robes ;  but  garb'd 
With  brazen  armor  ;  dreadful  as  a  god 


THE   NAPOLEAD- 

She  lighten'd  round,  and  wasteful  javelin  swung. 

Yalor  with  lofty  port  majestic  drove 

His  rattling  car,  by  winged  monsters  drawn, 

Through  the  dread  combat,  with  resistless  might ; 

What  way  he  turn'd,  defeat  before  him  flew, 

Till  bold  Ambition,  fiery-helm'd,  rebuff 'd 

With  bolt  enormous,  both  his  dragon  steeds, 

And  hurl'd  them,  staggering  to  the  verge  of  death ; 

When  from  his  car  he  springs,  and  lifting  high 

Its  adamantine  wheels,  with  fatal  aim 

Then  hurls  on  his  opposer,  who  in  vain 

Essays  to  shun  their  fury  with  long  lance, 

And  falls,  with  swimming  eyes ;  but  Hope  fast  heals 

The  painful  wound  ;  her  pharmacy  renews 

The  warrior  with  her  wonted  power ;  then  quick 

In  search  of  her  subduer,  she  speeds  forth  ; 

But  soon  meets  Rashness,  fronted  with  Despair, 

Whose  face  terrific  frown'd.     Short  pause  ensues 

Of  deep  amaze ;  a  horrid  truce  !  then  fierce, 

And  terrible,  in  stormy  conflict  join  ; 

Dire  clash'd  their  arms,  emitting  gleamy  rays ; 

Pride  look'd  astounded  on  the  arduous  strife. 

At  length,  like  tumbling  tower,  Ambition  fell ; 

Her  fall  shook  all  the  field  ;  struck  by  a  shaft, 

Which  Rashness  snatch'd  from  Fame's  refulgent  gate 

In  angry  haste.     Again  the  warrior  rose  ; 

But  wilPd  no  more  to  shine  in  luckless  fray, 

And  disappear'd,  in  clouds  and  darkness  veil'd, 

Lamenting  her  dishonor  and  sore  wounds. 

While  Rashness,  blustering,  summon'd  all  her  train, 

And  wav'd  her  lofty  banner  o'er  the  war. 

Fast  she  collects  her  forces,  and  presumes 

Her  concentrated  strength  shall  sweep  the  field 

Of  enemies — through  her  forming  lines  she  darts, 

Like  flickering  meteor,  and  arrays  for  fight ; 

Her  cloven  helmet,  haggard  eyes,  dark  plumes, 

In  battle  sing'd  ;  her  broken  spear,  and  club 

Of  Parian  marble,  thrice  ten  cubits  long, 


359 


360  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENES'. 

Torn  from  the  front  of  Fame's  resplendent  dome, 

High  brandishing,  in  ample  circles,  spread 

Distraction  round.     Folly,  her  next  in  power, 

"With  ghastly  laugh  strode  on  the  murky  air 

On  hideous  gorgon,  that  had  thousand  legs, 

Unnumber'd  wings,  deaf  ears,  and  one  dim  eye. 

Oft  o'er  her  bands  she  ruinous  career'd, 

Herself  despoiling,  when  redoubled  grin 

Sat  on  her  visage,  and  a  putrid  tear 

Roll'd  down  and  lodg'd  upon  her  snaky  tongue. 

She  rul'd  the  right,  Rashness  the  centre  of  their  host, 

And  Pride  the  left.     Against  them  stood  a  throng 

Confus'd,  indiiferent  and  without  control. 

Now  the  chief  leader,  Rashness,  thus  commands  : 
Companions  in  contention,  grasp  your  arms, 
Or  rocky  masses,  and  from  swift  ascent 
High  in  the  air,  rush  downward  on  yon  foes, 
Thick  spreading  ruin,  terror  and  dismay  ; 
And  sweep  them  from  the  field.     They  heard,  and  fire 
Gleam'd  from  their  eyes ;  each  brandish'd  fiery  arms, 
Defiance  hurling  to  th'  opposing  powers, 
And  straight  spread  out  umbrageous  wings  ;  now  clouds, 
Big  with  dark  tempest,  muttering  wrath  they  seem, 
Soaring  tremendous,  till  fit  height  attain'd, 
When  with  firm  air,  and  weapons  lifted  high, 
Obliquely  down  they  rush  against  the  foe, 
Like  lightning  darting  from  the  stormy  sky  : 
Fearful  discharge  ensues  ;  but  strikes  unsure, 
Or  wastes  on  empty  wind  its  angry  weight ; 
For  Vanity  beheld  the  torrent's  course, 
And  caution 'd  thus  her  train  :  Lo  !  yonder  storm 
Fast  coming  from  mid-heaven,  threat'ning  to  sweep, 
With  one  dread  blow,  our  remnant  brave  far  off 
The  cheerful  precincts  of  this  bright  domain  ! 
To  shun  such  evil :  while  the  enemy  poise 
Their  mountain-rending  arms,  for  fatal  stroke, 
Let  all  outspread  their  wings,  make  swift  ascent, 
And  downward  on  the  foe  play  scathful  game. 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  361 

They  gladly  hear,  and  half  extend  their  wings, 
On  springy  knee,  waiting  the  dread  approach 
Of  flaming  furies,  whose  invidious  eyes 
Shot  forth  pernicious  rays  and  horrors  dire. 
Then  at  the  signal,  all  with  sudden  bound, 
On  gloomy  wings,  above  death's  storm  aspire. 
Each  swelling  tenfold  larger,  and  inflam'd 
With  choler,  rush'd  upon  th'  astounded  host ; 
That  in  foul  plight,  now  grovell'd  under  shower 
Of  iron,  diamond,  quivering  bolts,  and  hills  ; 
But  soon  promiscuous  reascended  high, 
In  wild  confusion,  and  huge  swelling,  join'd 
In  close  contention  ;  darkness  wrapt  them  round  ; 
Friend  bandied  strokes  with  friend,  as  foe  with  foe  ; 
Rocks  on  them  thunder'd  and  deep  wounds  impress'd  ; 
Spears,  like  the  masts  of  hugest  ships,  were  thrown, 
liending  and  marring  their  etherial  frames. 
Th'  intense  attrition  of  conflicting  powers 
Shot  glancing  lightning  through  the  stormy  scene, 
The  clash  of  arms  and  armor  the  loud  sound 
Of  shouting  thousands,  and  wild  shrieks  of  pain, 
Three  times  bright  Sol's  diurnal  march  prevail'd, 
And  all  the  crystal  field  obscur'd  around 
Fame's  radiant  temple,  which,  'till  then,  ne'er  saw 
Nor  heard  the  tumult  of  such  dreadful  fray  ; 
When  Heaven's  Almighty  King  thus  Gabriel  bids  : 

Go  with  our  gloomy  veil  and  fiery  shafts, 
On  wings  of  storm,  loud  thundering  to  yon  field 
Such  peals  as  mortals  seldom  hear  ;  wide  earth 
Shall  tremble,  as  the  lofty  music  swells. 
Let  one  hand  bear  the  boreal  wind,  enchain'd, 
Which  loose,  when  Wisdom  shall  have  won  the  field, 
And  far  o'er  ocean  drive  th'  involving  gloom. 

He  ceas'd — to  Heaven's  great  armory  Gabriel  flies 
On  snowy  wdngs,  majestically  grand  ! 
His  graceful  countenance  darted  rays  divine  , 
A  starry  crown,  with  eveiiiving  flowers, 
High  plum'd  and  bright,  his  noble  front  adorn' d  : 


362  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

He  grasp' d  the  dreadful  arms,  and  call'd  the  winds 

And  sable  clouds.     The  distant  winds  attend 

The  sovereign  summons  ;  clouds  tumultuous  roll  • 

Before  the  boisterous  tenants  of  the  skies, 

And  all,  obedient  to  the  angel's  will, 

Convolve  in  dusky  ocean,  where  he  rides, 

Deep  circuinfus'd  with  darkness  ;  at  his  nod 

The  wide-spread  clouds  and  tempests  change  their  course, 

And  every  movement  to  his  will  conform. 

Soon,  o'er  the  warring  hosts,  the  clouds  condense, 
While  sable  night  walks  sullen  midst  their  ranks. 
Scattering  grim  phantoms,  and  delusions  strange — 
And  sudden  fly  the  blazing  bolts  below, 
Breaking  the  gloom,  with  angry,  fitful  glare — 
Loud  peals  on  peals  of  rending  thunder  roll, 
Impressing  heaven  and  earth  with  deepest  awe ; 
But  most  the  warring  myriads  ;  they  amaz'd, 
And  trembling  saw,  on  every  side,  the  hand 
Of  War  and  Kuin :  Valor  only  stood 
With  undejected  brow  ;  though  all  his  plumes 
Were  sing'd,  his  splendid  arms  and  armor  marr'd, 
And  grievous  wounds  imprinted  on  his  breast. 

Wisdom  the  sign  perceiv'd,  and  to  her  child 
Thus  speaks  :  Lo,  the  great  signal  for  my  march, 
Clad  in  decisive  arms  ;  for  force  of  fight 
Is  now  sole  argument  with  yon  mad  powers. 
Ah  !  how  unlike  what  Reason  would  prescribe  ! 
What  thou  wouldst  dictate,  born  to  happier  doom  ! 
Go  bring  my  chariot,  and  ethereal  steeds — 
Conduct  their  course — while  I,  with  powerful  light, 
Dazzle  their  eyes,  and  wielding  fatal  spear, 
Hurl  all  the  combatants  from  the  rude  scene, 
And  end  the  damning  fnry  of  their  arms. 

Prudence  arrays  the  steeds  of  heavenly  birth, 
Their  eyes  are  light ;  their  feet  the  test  of  time  ; 
Their  manes  flow  glimmering  with  a  thousand  hues  ; 
Their  speed  is  swift  as  knowledge  strikes  the  mind. 
She  mounts  the  starry  seat  with  Wisdom  stern, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  363 

Waves  the  bright  scourge,  and  darts  along  the  heaven  ; 

ISTor  stops  ;  but  midst  the  storm  of  combat  drives  ; 

Where  lightning,  thunder,  darkness,  torrent  showers 

Of  hills  encountering  hills,  with  ponderous  crash, 

And  warriors'  flaming  faces  spread  dismay. 

Then  snatches  from  her  quiver  fiery  globes, 

And  hurls  them  streaming  through  the  boisterous  fight ; 

When  sevenfold  hideous,  raging  Discord  frown'd  ; 

An  increas'd  clamor,  and  confusion  rose  ; 

The  field  was  whelm'd  in  flames,  and  heaven  o'erspread 

With  clouds  and  terrors  :  Gabriel  there  displodes 

Th'  artillery  of  puissant  Jove,  while  quakes 

The  region  round,  and  glows  the  conscious  earth 

With  angry  light :  Rashness  had  scanty  time 

(Her  eyes  half  clos'd),  to  say :  Can  this  be  Jove, 

Or  Wisdom  pouring  forth  her  blazing  floods, 

But  chill  as  winter  ?  when  her  spear  assail'd, 

That  fast,  with  all  who  trod  the  field,  she  fled, 

Forgetful  of  her  arms  and  armor ;  loud 

They  roar'd,  and  hurried  ways  diverse,  like  flocks 

Of  timorous  lambs,  when  wolves  invade  their  fold  ; 

And  joy'd  in  such  escape  from  the  dread  wheels, 

Relentless  steeds,  fierce  suns,  and  ruthless  spear, 

Which  folio w'd  after,  in  tremendous  blaze, 

Midst  screams,  distraction  and  the  thunder's  sound. 

Folly,  on  her  enormous  beast,  slow  mov'd ; 

Forgot  to  grin  ;  for  panic  chain 'd  her  jaws — 

Dismounted,  halted,  and  behind  it  skulk'd, 

To  save  life's  lov'd  remains  ;  but  soon  the  spear 

Fell'd  the  broad  bulwark  ;  still  conceal'd  she  lay 

Beneath  its  ample  frame,  till  ceas'd  the  strife. 

Now  Wisdom  stopp'd  pursuit,  and  swift  return'd 
Sole  victor  from  th'  o'erthrow  of  thousands  arm'd. 
Gabriel  restrain'd  his  thunders,  and  unloos'd 
The  boreal  wind,  which  rush'd  tumultuous  forth, 
Commixing  battle's  gloom  with  lofty  clouds, 
That  onward  fast  in  troubled  grandeur  sail : 
All  heaven  sighs ;  the  trees  of  earth  low  bend  ; 


364  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENET. 

The  ocean  whitens,  and  hoarse  murmuring  rolls, 
Till  the  dun  refuse  far  away  is  borne  ; 
Then,  at  th'  archangel's  hest,  the  blast  subsides, 
And  he  to  Jove's  effulgent  court  returns. 
"Wisdom  to  Fame's  abode  departs — there  sees 
Stern  Providence  cast  threatening  eye  on  Gaul. 
By  right  of  victory  now  she  quick  descends, 
"While  in  the  Kremlin  he  his  troops  review'd, 
And  thus  Napoleon  warns :  Fly  warrior,  fly 
(Though  much  too  late  I  fear,)  from  Eussia's  land  ; 
Lest  Moscow  be  the  grave  of  all  thy  power. 
Full  thrice  ten  precious  days  are  buried  now, 
Since  thou  shouldst  have  departed  this  sad  scene  ; 
But  mad  contention  in  the  field  of  Fame, 
The  fire  of  Rashness,  and  the  force  of  Pride 
Forbade  the  prudent  deed.     Now  arm'd  I  come 
With  full  experience  from  victorious  field : 
Your  wild  deluders  fled  before  my  arms ; 
But  ah !  what  can  redeem  the  time  they  stole  ! 
Lost  empires  and  great  thrones  may  be  regain'd 
By  gold,  or  conquest,  or  a  people's  love  ; 
But  all  the  treasure  of  the  spacious  earth, 
Its  love  or  arms,  can  not  one  day  recall. 
Ere  thrice  earth  rolls,  in  Scorpio  flames  the  sun  : 
Too  soon  the  thickening  sky  may  teem  with  storm, 
And  blustering  winter  chill  your  mighty  powers ; 
But  weeks  may  yet  revolve  before  he  comes 
With  keen  intensity  :  that  time  improve ; 
Be  not  by  Hope's  fair  promises  deceiv'd ; 
Has  not  th'  attack  on  Naples'  king  made  known 
The  Russian  policy  ?    Has  Dery's  fall, 
And  thrice  six  hundred  of  his  warrior's  brave, 
While  Bagawout,  and  bold  Beningsen  died, 
Not  prov'd  that  Russia  spurns  the  proffer' d  peace  ? 
The  foe  who  durst  infringe  a  truce — who  whelm'd 
His  fairest  city  in  a  sea  of  fire, 
'Tis  vain  to  hope  will  to  your  terms  subscribe. 
She  spoke ;  the  Emperor  angry  thus  responds : 


THE   NAPOLEAD,  365 

Doubtless,  the  treacherous  foe  has  prov'd  'tis  time 
Our  armies  were  withdrawn  to  Nieper's  shore ; 
Ere  day  again  this  dreary  waste  illume, 
The  melancholy  march  shall  have  begun. 

He  ended,  and  the  sapient  power  retir'd — 
Then  thus  his  chiefs  he  bids :  My  brave  compeers, 
The  voice  of  Wisdom  warns  me  to  retreat 
From  this  ill  fated  ground ;  or  hope  for  peace  ; 
Then  rouse  the  army  and  prepare  to  move 
By  morrow's  dawn  :  Inform  the  troops,  we  go 
To  winter  quarters  in  a  happier  clime. 
Let  Delzon  through  Teschernigrase  advance 
With  his  division  to  conceal  the  way 
Our  main  proceeds,  which  on  Mojaisk  will  march. 
Beauharnois,  and  Murat,  Kalouga's  road 
Will  tread ;  but  with  our  centre  re-unite 
At  Patoutinka ;  and  Mortier,  the  last 
T'  abandon  Moscow,  will  by  well  charg'd  mines, 
This  Kremlin  from  its  deep  foundation  rend, 
That  Russia's  grandest  citadel  destroy 'd 
May  not  obstruct  our  march  when  we  return. 

Thus  he — Vandamme  proposes  to  consume 
By  conflagration  all  the  buildings  round ; 
"  The  enemy's  rule  more  full  effect  to  give, 
And  spread  the  devastation  he  begun, 
That  milder  wars  he  wage  in  future  time." 

The  Monarch  then  :  Not  I  will  farther  harm 
Humanity ;  though  guilt  might  be  chastis'd, 
Fair  innocence  would  suffer  by  the  deed — 
Besides,  the  act  were  useless,  save  to  prove 
That  we,  e'en  we,  may  stoop  to  base  revenge  ! 
For  national  ends,  not  individual  wo, 
We  draw  the  sword :  We  wage  no  rival  war 
Of  devastation  ;  let  the  enemy  take 
Of  this  the  glory ;  ours  are  higher  aims. 

The  chiefs  to  their  respective  posts  depart, 
Proclaim  that  Moscow  is  unworthy  now 
Of  their  resort ;  they  therefore  will  remove 


366  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Where  plenty  smiles,  redundant  with  delight, 
And  winter  jovial  flows  in  feast  and  song. 

The  listening  armies  glad  forsake  the  camp, 
Where  meagre  Famine  hoarse  began  to  growl, 
High  toss  her  furrow'd  head  and  clash  her  fangs. 
Like  gloomy  clouds  they  move,  o'ershading  earth 
Many  a  long  league,  bending  with  Moscow's  spoils. 
Far  as  the  eye  may  roam  from  some  tall  mast 
Nodding  o'er  ocean's  waves,  the  loaded  wains 
In  triple  files  extended ;  still  behind 
Groan'd  many  a  chariot  under  trophies  won 
From  Turk,  and  Persian,  by  the  warlike  Czars ; 
And  fam'd  St.  Iwan's  cross  above  them  shone. 

Soon  half  the  Kremlin  thundering  heavenward  towers — 
The  loud  explosion  shakes  the  region  round. 

Thence  Iloviaski  knew  his  foes  were  fled, 

And,  sudden  rushing  on  the  dying  pile, 

Th'  inflaming  match  extinguish'd,  and  possess'd 

The  dismal  city.     Thousands  now  return'd 

From  mournful  exile,  searching  for  their  homes. 

Alas !  no  vestige  mark'd  a  spot  so  dear  ; 

O'er  ample  space  blank  Desolation  frown'd — 

And  here,  and  there,  a  solitary  dome, 

Shatter'd,  and  darken 'd,  hapless  mourners  seem'd  ; 

Like  some  poor  sire,  the  last  of  all  his  race, 

That  grieves  in  silence  for  his  offspring  dead. 

The  wretched  wanderers  cry  :  O  woful  tomb 

Of  lofty  Moscow,  wet  with  myriads'  tears  ! 

Far  hast  thou  fallen  from  thy  proud  estate — 

Nipp'd  in  thy  splendid  bloom  by  blasting  war. 

What  once  thou  wast  in  mournful  memory  lives ; 

Thy  shining  spires,  gay  walks,  and  busy  trade, 

Ah  now  no  more !  fell  furies  here  have  rav'd  ; 

Here  Ruin  hideous  moan'd,  that  nought  remain'd 

To  slake  his  raging  thirst.     O,  cruel  fate ! 

Where  now  will  myriads  lay  their  hapless  heads, 

But  in  the  general  grave,  which  round  us  yawns, 

Devouring  with  insatiate,  boundless  maw, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  367 

The  miserable  remains  of  better  days ! 
O  Heaven !  have  mercy  on  this  hapless  land  ; 
Support  the  feeble,  and  direct  the  strong ; 
The  houseless  wretch,  the  child  of  want  defend, 
And  turn  the  fury  of  the  storms  away. 

Such  was  great  Moscow's  lamentable  fate, 
"Whose  sacrifice  sav'd  realms,  and  kings  dethron'd. 
Thousands  unborn  shall  o'er  her  history  weep, 
Mov'd  by  her  miseries,  and  JSTapoleon's  fall — 
Sad  theme  of  future  bards,  and  tragic  song  ! 

Beauharnois  now,  thus  valiant  Delzon  bids : 
"  The  enemy's  in  pursuit :  At  Louja's  bridge, 
Or  at  Borosk,  (should  he  those  stations  gain 
Before  we  pass)  injurious  fight  will  rage. 
The  last  we  hold — the  first  make  haste  to  seize 
With  your  division  :  On  your  speed  depends 
The  lives  of  myriads."     Swift  he  leads  his  band, 
And  takes  th'  important  post ;  but  Russia  soon, 
Bent  on  like  object,  with  impetuous  rage, 
Against  him  thunder'd,  and  his  warriors  drove, 
Contending  furious,  from  the  valued  ground. 
Just  then,  the  Viceroy  lightens  through  the  field, 
Like  sudden  sunshine  through  a  gloomy  storm, 
Rekindling  hope  and  valor,  where  he  moves  : 
What,  he  loud  cries,  invincible  no  more  ? 
Were  ye  miscall'd  heroes !  deserve  the  name — 
Be  not  from  your  select  position  driven — 
Turn  !  lest  the  foe  believes  he  wars  with  lambs. 

Thus  he.     The  rallied  train  infuriate  plung'd 
In  Russia's  staggering  lines ;  which  reinforc'd, 
Withstood  the  dread  attack,  and  had  repell'd  ; 
But  headlong,  Delzon  rush'd  amidst  the  fight, 
Inspiring  courage,  which  triumphant  rends 
Death's  terrors  from  his  brow  ;  leading  his  host 
Tempestuous  on  he  fell  in  Victory's  arms. 
Guilleminot  then  guides  the  angry  blast ; 
But  soon  increasing  clouds  of  Russians,  flown 
From  Lectascova's  camp,  o'erwhelming,  drive 


368  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Gaul  from  the  bloody  heights.     Then  Forrestier 

Careering  lofty  midst  the  routed  files, 

And  goring  iron  showers,  thus  stops  their  flight : 

Soldiers !  France  lies  beyond  yon  hill,  where  Delzon  sleeps. 
Must  we  then  reach  Siberia,  ere  our  homes  ? 
Die,  ignominious  deaf  to  glory's  voice, 
Kather  than  honor'd  live,  or  fall  renown'd  ? 
See  !  Pino  swift  advances  to  our  aid — 
Let  not  the  Italians  reap  so  great  a  field ; 
Nor  boast  they  won  the  fight,  which  we  declined  ! 

He  spoke,  quick  ranging  through  the  scatter'd  host : 
The  sub-commanders  fast  reform  the  lines — 
Forward  they  march — th'  Italians  close  behind — 
All  on  the  Russian  columns  furious  rush 
With  gory  bayonets,  and  disploding  guns  ; 
While  momentary  pause  the  thundering  tiers. 
Soon,  in  confusion,  Russia's  dense  array 
Departs,  before  the  fatal  charge  of  Gaul. 
Then  roars  th'  artillery  with  redoubled  sound, 
Destruction  sending  over  all  the  field. 
Brave  Levie  quivers  in  the  arms  of  Death — 
Giiflenga,  and  courageous  Pino  fall. 
At  length  deep  darkness  hush'd  the  battle's  voice, 
And  France,  victorious,  held  the  gory  field. 

The  while  Ghorodnia  shudder'd  at  the  charge 
Of  thrice  two  thousand  Cossacks — Istria's  Duke 
His  cavalry  on  them  guides  and  soon  defeats. 
Napoleon  witness'd  the  contention  bold. 

Yereia  next  saw  steed-borne  armies  clash, 
By  Poniatowski,  and  the  Hetman  rul'd, 
The  glimmering  sabres  strike  and  hulans  dart — 
The  younger  PlatofF  fall,  as  fierce  he  led 
Impetuous  squadrons  on  the  Polish  lines ; 
Who  fought  as  fierce,  by  ancient  hatred  mov'd. 
The  warlike  father  ranging  through  the  storm, 
Saw,  bounding  wild,  the  white  horse  of  his  son, 
The  rider  left  among  the  falling  dead  : 
He  seeks  his  offspring,  heedless  of  the  fight, 


THE  NAPOLP:AD.  369 

Lifts  the  pale  youth,  who  on  his  parent  throws 

Affection's  last  regard,  attempts  to  speak — 

In  vain — the  soul  pass'd  from  his  quivering  lips, 

And  left  in  icy  death  his  manly  form. 

Then  his  dear  load  the  mournful  sire  resign'd, 

Turn'd  from  the  killing  sight  his  streaming  eyes, 

And  sought  his  tent,  and  secret  pour'd  his  tears. 

Now  dark-brow'd  evening  deck'd  with  starry  crown, 
And  ebon  mantle,  with  dim  shapes  adorn' d, 
Came  shadowy — nature  listening  as  she  march 'd 
Silent,  save  when  the  moon-ey'd  bird  complain'd. 
Before  her  Discord  bow'd,  the  conflict  ceased, 
And  healing  sleep  the  eyes  of  warriors  clos'd ; 
Save  in  the  Cossack  camp — there  lifeless  lay 
Outstretch'd  upon  the  shaggy  skins  of  bears 
The  hopeful  prince,  the  glory  of  his  tribe, 
Their  leading  star  in  danger,  and  the  prop 
Of  wavering  combat ;  thick  they  round  him  kneel, 
Kiss  his  cold  hand,  and  bathe  it  with  their  tears. 

When  purple  morning  dawn'd,  a  trumpet's  voice 
Warns  Poniatowski,  that  a  herald  comes ; 
Who,  introduc'd,  thus  urg'd  his  pious  suit : 

Our  Hetman  mourns  his  son's  untimely  fall, 
Who  late  tempestuous  in  your  squadrons  plung'd ; 
The  bravest  scarce  repell'd  his  iron  surge — 
He  stood  the  fury  of  your  boldest  bands, 
And  turn'd  the  tide  of  battle,  where  he  rode, 
Th'  heroic  father  of  a  son  so  brave, 
Short  intermission  of  contention  sues, 
That  undisturb'd  he  may  the  corpse  inurny 
With  all  the  honors  to  his  merit  due. 

Accept  the  truce  (replied  the  valiant  chief) 
Though  duty  adverse  drive,  the  brave  are  friends — 
Cowards  alone  the  gifts  of  victory  soil — 
They  darkest  seem  when  Fortune  fairest  shines. 

The  herald  to  his  Hetman  swift  return'd : 
And  soon  the  Cossack  host,  paraded,  wheel 
Around  their  much-lov'd  prince,  in  silent  griefi 
24 


370  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

"With  fervor  praying  for  his  soul's  repose. 
Then  the  arm'd  thousands,  in  procession  slow, 
The  honor'd  corse,  in  solemn  state,  convey'd 
Up  a  high  hill,  with  gloomy  cypress  crown'd. 
Stern  visag'd  warriors  glisten'd  bright  with  tears, 
As  silent  round  the  grave,  in  order  rang'd, 
They  heard  the  falling  clods  his  long  adieu  declare. 
They  fired  a  volley  o'er  the  closing  tomb  ; 
Then  solemn  march'd  around  the  long  abode, 
Leading  their  steeds,  their  lances  pointing  down. 

The  while  in  echelon  France  slow  retreats 
Frowning  defiance.     Hovering  on  her  flanks, 
Flam'd  Cossack  clouds ;  still  her  arriere  repell'd, 
Controll'd  by  Eckmuhl's  prince,  her  swarming  foes. 
But  Famine  smote  her  train,  and  feeble  steeds, 
Quadrupled  to  th'  artillery,  frequent  fell 
On  slippery  ice,  and  rose  no  more ;  that  oft 
Th'  unwieldy  thunderers  were  abandon'd — spik'd — 
Their  wains  exploding,  shook  the  region  cold. 

The  sun  had  thrice  on  chill  November  shone, 
"When  near  Wiazma,  many  a  bristling  grove 
Of  Russian  bayonets  Nagle's  band  assails. 
Eugene  forthwith  conducts  his  valiant  corps 
To  battle — long  sustains  the  fierce  attack 
Of  swarming  cavalry,  with  unequal  force  ; 
At  length  Davoust,  behind  the  conflict,  form'd 
His  war-worn  train,  and  timely  brac'd  the  fight. 
Now  terrible  discordant  armies  rag'd, 
With  fearful  odds  against  the  force  of  Gaul : 
Full  on  the  centre  Russia  pours  amain — 
Both  hosts  discharge  their  muskets — swiftly  close 
With  deadly  fury,  and  sky-rending  shrieks  ; 
Man  bayonet  sheaths  in  man ;  at  times  recoil 
The  Russian  lines,  and  fiery  tempests  send ; 
The  loud  artillery  flaming,  thundering,  shook 
The  frozen  ground,  and  heads  of  warriors  huii'd 
Through  murky  air,  effusing  streaming  gore  : 
'Twas  then,  brave  Banco,  from  thy  fearless  heart 


THE   KAPOLEAD.  3Y1 

Thy  own,  dissever'd,  chatter'd  o'er  the  war, 

While  fell  thy  bleeding  trunk,  a  lifeless  clod, 

From  thy  fleet  steed,  wild  prancing  through  the  storm. 

Soon  with  redoubled  ardor  Russia  drives 
On  either  wing  of  Graul ;  and  chief  where  Ney, 
Big  with  his  nation's  fate,  his  skill  display'd, 
And  prov'd  him  vers'd  in  every  art  of  war  : 
Here  hideous  Discord  rag'd,  bold  Talor  storm'd, 
Ambition  blaz'd,  and  every  genius  toil'd. 
He  held  his  station  till  the  camp  retir'd 
Beyond  Wiazma  ;  while,,  with  headlong  rage, 
Main  Russia  dash'd  on  his  protecting  shield, 
Fierce  as  ten  thousand  storms,  and  all  the  winds 
Condens'd  on  ocean,  thundering  on  rocky  shore, 
But  on  herself,  amaz'd,  recoil'd  in  blood. 

Now  hoary  Winter  slumbering  near  the  pole 
On  his  bleak  Arctic  bed  was  loudly  rous'd 
By  voice  of  thunder ;  quick  the  frigid  god 
Rose  shaking  from  his  tresses  silvery  hail 
And  biting  blasts,  thus  speaking :  "  Hateful  sounds ! 
In  vain — ye  cannot  shake  my  icy  throne — 
Nor  may  the  light'ning  melt  th'  eternal  pile. 
How  stray'd  the  thunder  from  its  sphere  so  far ! 
Sure  'twas  not  borne  on  Afer's  dusky  wings. 
Dire  peals  !  such  flashes  might  consume  the  globe ! 
It  seems  the  world's  great  period  !"    When  thus  spoke 
Th'  Almighty  ruler  from  th'  impending  cloud : 
Ere  many  suns,  O  Winter,  thou  hadst  walk'd 
Along  the  Russian  clime,  as  in  past  years ; 
But  now  a  warring  host,  there  stalking  bold, 
Presume  impunity  of  man  and  Heaven. 
Long  in  their  cause  the  wayward  Passions  fought, 
Wisdom,  at  length,  decided  for  their  weal, 
With  my  consent ;  but  now  they  little  deem 
They  go  by  sufferance  of  our  fatal  will. 
Their  reign  shall  cease,  their  chieftain  feel  distress ; 
Delay  not  then  to  muster  all  thy  powers — 
Assume  thy  cloudy  stole,  grasp  thy  keen  spears 


372  POEMS    OF   THOMAS   HEDGES    GENII*. 

And  quiver,  charg'd  with  tempests,  snow,  and  hail ; 
With  all-subduing  rage  on  Kussia  fall — 
There  pour  thy  gust's ;  the  leafless  forest  glaze ; 
Congeal  the  rolling  billows  in  their  flight ; 
Shroud  with  a  rocky  veil  the  sounds  and  seas ; 
Make  earth's  broad  face  seem  stone ;  the  faded  globe 
Wear  garb  of  mourning,  that  proud  Gaul  decline : 
Such  is  the  mandate  of  the  Sire  of  worlds. 

Th'  Almighty  ended,  and  the  heavens  wore  scowl ; 
Th'  angelic  seats  were  sad — Sol  hid  his  face 
In  misty  ocean ;  moan'd  the  hollow  wind ; 
The  hoary  monarch  of  the  storms,  low  bow'd, 
In  humble  reverence  of  the  high  command ; 
Then  northward  turning,  sudden  darkness  spread 
Thick  round  his  course ;  he  grasps  his  blighting  spears 
Of  wondrous  length,  and  on  the  icy  pole 
Them  whets,  with  toilsome  haste ;  twelve  leagues  his  arm 
To  east  and  west,  with  waxing  fury,  flies : 
As  on  the"  frozen  pile  they  quivering  glide, 
A  silvery  sleet  in  spreading  curls  ascends — 
The  sharpening  points,  reflecting  blaze  on  blaze, 
tlame  like  red  lightning  on  heaven's  stormy  brow. 
This  done,  he  shakes  them  midst  the  rolling  clouds, 
Stamps  on  his  throne,  Boreas  and  Eurus  calls, 
And  fills  his  quiver  with  the  arms  of  storm : 
The  boisterous  brethren  in  their  native  halls, 
Hear  the  loud  summons  and  tumultuous  pour 
From  their  bleak  portals,  rending  snowy  cliffs, 
Whistling  o'er  icy  vales,  and  driving  clouds 
On  clouds  in  mountain  masses,  darkening  heaven. 
On  these  the  Monarch  sails  towards  Russia's  clime 
In  hazy  ocean  wide  of  fleecy  snow  : 
High  o'er  where  Moscow  stood  the  boreal  blast 
Bears  him  in  gloomy  state  sublime  :  Now  round 
He  swells  the  snow-fraught  gusts,  and  darts  his  spears ; 
Now  from  his  quiver  heaves  the  chilling  hail, 
Covering  with  icy  robe  the  rocky  land — 
A  sudden  algor  seizes  half  the  world ; 


THE   NAPOL^AD.  373 

Life  fades  before  him ;  fetter 'd  streamlets  groan ; 

The  dashing  wave  is  hush'd  in  mid-career ; 

The  dimpled  watery  surface  leaps  no  more 

In  quivering  light ;  its  stream  is  still  and  cold — 

And  nature's  features,  squally,  blank,  and  drear, 

Evince  the  presence  of  the  killing  power. 

Dire  on  Napoleon's  host  his  fury  falls, 

Destroying  myriads.     'Twas  in  night's  dark  shade 

He  hurl'd  the  fleecy  ocean  on  the  land, 

And  put  forth  all  the  terror  of  his  reign. 

When  morn  dim  waded  through  the  cloudy  skies, 

Housing  the  slumbering  camp,  France  saw  her  doom ; 

On  every  side,  destructive  foes  appear, 

And  woe  approaching  from  the  Earth  and  Heaven : 

A  miry  barren  waste  around  her  lay — 

The  roads  were  buried  in  the  frosty  deep, 

With  spoils  and  steeds  and  men,  to  rise  no  more. 

Snow-tossing  tempests  dreadful  howl'd,  and  wav'd 

Thick  crackling  branches  of  ice-burden'd  groves. 

Disheartening  Famine,  and  the  deluge  cold, 

By  freezing  winds  in  mountain  ridges  curl'd, 

Spread  o'er  the  Gallic  hopes  funereal  gloom. 

Fast  smother'd  by  the  drifting  sleet,  whole  bands 

Fall  shivering  in  despair,  repeating  names 

Of  children,  parents,  wives,  they  ne'er  shall  see, 

And  thus  address  their  mates,  yet  struggling  on : 

Oh  !  if  more  blest  than  we,  you  should  behold 
Our  native  country,  parents,  children  dear, 
Give  them  these  papers  and  this  hard-earn'd  gold, 
Last  pledge  of  our  affection — say,  till  now 
The  hope  of  seeing  them  alone  sustain'd 
Their  wretched  relative — at  length,  refus'd 
That  pleasing  hope,  he  wished  them  well,  and  died. 
When  in  lov'd  France  you  joy  for  your  return, 
Oh,  think  sometimes  of  our  unhappy  fate  ! 

Anon  the  faltering  tongue,  and  glaring  eye, 
Stand  motionless  beneath  Death's  icy  hand, 
Their  sufferings  ended,  and  their  friends  forgot. 


374  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Their  comrades  passing  view  their  snowy  graves- 
While  round,  voracious  dogs,  gregarious  howl — 
Above  dark  clouds  of  ravens  mournful  croak, 
And  seem  to  claim  the  living  as  their  prey. 

Night  falls  with  gloomier  frown,  and  blustering  air ; 
The  hoary  forest,  bending  with  bright  load 
Of  glassy  ice,  moan'd  rustling  in  the  blast. 
Which  threw  chill  torpor  from  its  freezing  wings ; 
The  glare  of  burning  villages,  and  domes,  • 
Illum'd  the  icy  silvery-glistening  groves, 
With  eddying  sleet  suffus'd.     Through  the  drear  wild 
Oft  roar'd  war's  thunderers,  flashing  on  the  gloom, 
Where.  Ney,  incessant  fighting,  shielded  Gaul. 

Half  her  huge  host,  disbanded,  devious  roam'd  ; 
Some  in  the  frosty  deluge,  famish'd,  sunk  ; 
Or,  wandering  careless,  unresisting,  bled 
By  Cossack  spear :  They  tore  the  lean  remains 
Of  perish'd  steeds,  that  fell  by  thousands  round. 
Artillery,  steeds,  and  men,  in  ruins,  fill'd 
The  road ;  o'er  them  the  faint  survivors  climb'd, 
Pale,  staggering  on  the  slippery  brink  of  death. 

A  hebdomad,  ere  Sol  from  Scorpio  pass'd, 
Kutusofi*,  expeditious,  bold  confronts 
Napoleon  near  Krasnoi,  and  vain  attempts 
His  capture :  onward  fierce  the  Emperor  drives 
Through  clouds  of  foes,  and  whizzing  iron  showers 
Flooding  his  thunder-shaken  road  with  gore. 
The  Russian,  with  regret,  beholds  o'erthrown 
His  troops  imperial,  and  the  promis'd  prize 
Sweep  like  a  fiery  torrent  through  his  lines, 
And  take  at  Krasnoi  a  position  strong. 
When  next  the  sun  relum/d  the  frosty  clime, 
He,  with  lil^e  force,  opposes  brave  Eugene, 
And  frightful  conflict  rages  :  Yilleblanch, 
Ornano  and  Delfanti,  bite  the  dust, 
Reiterating  the  destructive  charge 
On  Russia's  firm  array.     At  length  the  prince 
Despairing  soon  to  force  the  sanguine  path, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  375 

Feigns  to  attack,  with  all  his  bands,  the  left 
Oppos'd  ;  which  to  support,  his  enemy  brings 
His  cohorts  from  his  right.     Kind  darkness  now 
Chas'd  down  the  day ;  and  countermarching  swift 
Under  her  mantle,  wheel'd  the  dexterous  chief 
Around  the  Russian  right,  unseen  of  foes — 
His  Emperor  join'd,  who  pleas'd  address'd  him  :  Son, 
Thy  skill  has  foil'd  superior  force  ;  sure  thou 
May'st  easy  wind  through  life,  like  fluent  floods, 
Circling  the  base  of  hills  they  cannot  climb. 
Davoust  and  Ney  must  pass  that  baffled  host, 
That  disappointed  of  its  spoil,  will  give 
A  hot  reception  to  their  weary  trains. 
T '  insure  the  safety  of  th'  intrepid  dukes, 
Let  us  give  business  to  the  Eussian  powers, 
And  teach  them  their  pursuit  excels  their  fight, 
If  at  Wiazma  this  they  fail'd  to  learn. 

Thus  he  ;  the  prince  replied  :  Retreat  should  pause, 
Though  death  pursues.  To  make  th'  attack  propos'd, 
Will  save  a  corps,  which  erst  ourselves  redeem'd 

Thus  they ;  and  soon,  tempestuous  battle  rag'd. 
Russia,  astounded,  saw  reverted  Gaul 
Scattering  destruction  on  the  staggering  host. 
Meantime  EckmuhPs  brave  duke,  amidst  the  fray 
His  monarch  joins,  and  with  him  slow  recedes 
From  the  wide  flaming  field.     They  recommence 
Their  long  retreat.     But  Ney  remains  beyond 
The  hostile  gulf — genius  alone  can  save  : 
He  turns  the  foe.     Wolhynia's  army  now, 
United  with  Moldavia's,  march'd  on  Minsk, 
And  seiz'd  Borisov's  bridge  ;  while  Witgenstein 
Industrious  press'd  t'  unite  his  force  with  theirs, 
And  on  Belluno's  duke  incessant  warr'd. 
Brave  Ney  the  while  withstands,  eludes  and  drives 
The  hostile  swarms,  evolv'd  from  Krasnoi's  field, 
His  host  out-numbering  far.     Three  times  pale  Sol 
Look'd  through  cold  skies  from  morn  to  even,  on  deeds 
Of  heroism,  patience,  fortitude, 


376  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

And  saw  the  gallant  bands,  manoeuvred  well, 

Glide  from  the  closing  jaws  of  Fate,  then  form 

In  junction  with  Eugene's,  whose  timely  aid 

Reliev'd  them  from  the  fight.     Now  Oudinot 

Drives  Lambert  o'er  Borisov's  lofty  bridge  ; 

Who  fires  it  quick,  to  interrupt  pursuit 

And  France  confine.     When  Sol  three  days  had  shone 

In  Sagittarius,  Berezina's  bank 

Was  throng'd  with  fugitives  and  troops  of  France ; 

The  farther  shore,  with  Russia's  bands  was  lin'd, 

Its  passage  to  dispute.     Her  admiral  steer'd 

His  course  by  Gaul's,  mistook  for  Russia's  star. 

All  day  Napoleon,  far  manoeuvring,  strove 

To  seize  on  Studzianca,  which  o'erlook'd 

Th'  opposing  bank.     At  length  he  gain'd  the  post, 

And  in  his  foe's  despite,  constructed  o'er 

Th'  ice-incumber'd  stream,  two  lofty  roads  ; 

While  on  the  rear  of  France  fierce  Russia  drove, 

Scarce  check'd  by  Oudinot  (his  left  in  air) : 

The  thundering  conflict  thicken'd  toward  the  stream, 

Where  wretched  myriads,  hovering  on  its  brink, 

Crowded,  in  dread  confusion,  to  each  bridge, 

Flying  the  Russian  vengeance  ;  thousands  fall, 

Uttering  sad  cries,  into  the  freezing  flood — 

And  thousands,  crush'd  by  the  hard  pressing  throng, 

Sink,  loudly  moaning.     O'er  the  smother'd  piles 

Their  comrades  climb,  and  smear  their  feet  with  gore. 

The  trampled  wretches  grasp  the  mounting  heels 

Of  luckier  men,  who,  struggling,  disengage, 

Or  fall  amidst  the  suffocated  crew. 

Brave  Oudinot,  borne  wounded  from  the  field, 
On  Key  the  conduct  of  the  fight  devolves.  » 

He  through  the  flaming  lines  impetuous  rides, 
Recalls  the  recreant,  and  confirms  the  bold, 
WTiile  France  imposing  attitude  assumes  : 
Wading  in  snow,  beneath  inclement  skies, 
As  stream'd  her  tatter 'd  robes  on  freezing  wind, 
Her  ice-incumber'd  banner,  waving  drear, 


THE  NAPOLEAD. 

* 

Awoke  the  memory  of  her  glorious  days, 
And  rous'd  the  rage  that  won  Marengo's  field. 
With  double  fury  now  the  battle  burns, 
Shattering  the  iron  cloud  that  gored  her  rear. 
Dumerc  resistless  leads  his  squadrons  through 
The  Russian  files  ;  wild  uproar  spreads  around — 
Th'  artillery  thunders,  the  fast  reddening  plain 
Reeks  with  fresh  spouting  gore  ;  dark  clouds  involve 
The  combatants  ;  the  hazy  heaven  profuse 
Throws  feathery  shower  of  inundating  snow, 
Thickening  the  gloom.     Awhile  the  Gallic  arms 
Prevailed,  and  long  th'  unequal  fight  maintain'd. 
At  length,  before  th'  increasing  flood  of  foes,. 
They  fly  terrific,  through  th'  impeding  crowd, 
O'er  Berezina,  midst  the  dying  groans 
And  lamentable  shrieks  of  trampled  friends. 
Immediately  they  burn  the  tottering  bridge, 
And  interpose  the  fatal  flood,  t'  avert 
The  thirsty  arms  of  Russia,  raging  near. 
Awhile  had  Boreas,  in  the  arctic  night, 
Midst  desolation's  icy  hills  repos'd, 
Or  tost  the  snow  cliffs  round  the  lifeless  gloom  ; 
While  mists,  by  Auster  near  his  kingdom  driven, 
His  influence  feeling,  fell  in  fleecy  flakes  : 
The  rivers'  waves  their  glassy  surface  broke, 
And  icy  fragments  toward  the  ocean  bore  ; 
But  now  in  gusts,  he  quits  the  polar  shade  ; 
Dispreads  his  chilling  wings,  from  high  Altay 
To  Greenland's  lonely  shore,  and  heaven  o'erclouds. 
Quick,  nature  his  benumbing  fetters  feels : 
The  gliding  streams  stand  still  beneath  his  frown, 
Or,  veil'd  in  ice,  steal  unperceiv'd  away 
Through  caves  remote  from  his  congealing  breath. 
The  great  belligerents  feel,  with  equal  pain, 
His  life-destroying  rage.     In  either  host 
The  brave  are  wither'd,  like  the  forest's  leaves, 
That,  faded,  float  on  autumn's  whistling  gales. 
And  now  from  every  side,  in  fierce  pursuit. 


3Y8  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

• 

Rose  Russia's  hardy  sons.  Her  awful  foe 
Bereft  of  arms,  and  leaning  o'er  the  grave 
Could  scarce  contend,  and  mercy  sought  in  vain. 

Th'  impatient  fugitives  loud  murmurs  vent ; 
Alternately  arraign  their  King  and  Heaven  ; 
They  cry  :  Napoleon  !  where  are  all  thy  stores 
And  boundless  plenty,  promis'd  long  in  vain  ! 
Must  we  die,  unreveng'd,  by  Russia's  hordes, 
Grown  impudent,  since  Jove  aifords  them  aid, 
Or  cold,  and  famine,  in  this  hated  land  ? 
O  execrable  fate  !  for  this  we  came 
From  better  climes,  and  conquer'd  but  to  die  ! 
O  Heaven  !  does  bravery  merit  such  reward  ? 
Do  cowards  find  in  Jove  a  friend  in  need  ? 
Oh !  let  thy  blasting  thunder  end  our  days. 
That  all  may  know  'tis  thine,  not  Russia's  might 
(So  wont  to  cower  beneath  our  conquering  arms), 
That  sweeps  whole  legions  to  untimely  graves. 

Thus  mournful  grovelling  through  the  frigid  waste 
Numbness  pervades  their  limbs,  and  stealing  sleep 
Consigns  them  to  the  endless  reign  of  death. 
As  sad  they  march,  they  leave  long  files  behind, 
Erect  or  prostrate,  turn'd  to  rocky  ice. 
The  Russians  following  pass  the  myriads  pale, 
Impress'd  with  solemn  awe  ;  for  much  they  seem'd 
Like  weeping  statues,  mark'd  with  mimic  life, 
Of  which  one  half  some  mighty  wind  had  fell'd. 
Napoleon  deeply  mourn'd  ;  but  by  his  side 
Stood  Yalor,  and  sublim'd  his  mighty  soul : 
Sustain'd  by  whom,  he  frown  for  frown  return'd 
Of  fickle  Fortune,  struggling  with  his  fate. 

Twice  seven  times  in  December  earth  had  roll'd, 
When  o'er  the  ice-bouud  Niemen  hover'd  pale 
The  squallid  remnant  of  unhappy  Gaul ; 
Like  wretched  spectres  fled  th'  infernal  world, 
They  look'd  with  horror  at  the  scene  behind, 
Half  nude,  toil-worn,  storm-beaten,  gash'd  with  wounds, 
With  frozen  limbs  tormented ;  some  had  lost 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  379 

The  sense  of  hearing  ;  all  with  hunger  pin'd. 
Of  forty  myriads,  scarcely  three  return 'd  ; 
Who  went  as  generals,  as  subalterns  came, 
And  oft  of  soldiers  begg'd  a  pittance  poor. 
Ah !  how  unlike  that  host,  so  proud  and  great, 
Which  erst,  resistless,  rush'd  to  Moscow's  walls  ! 

Seven  days  before  the  imperial  chief  conferr'd 
On  Naples'  King  the  conduct  of  the  flight : 

Secure  (he  said)  the  relics  of  our  host 
While  I  on  Paris  march — as  viceroy  guide 
The  war — well  garrison  the  Polish  posts  : 
Let  Dantzic,  Cracow  and  their  brethren,  hold 
Such  numbers  as  may  best  long  siege  endure  ; 
For  know,  I  cease  not  this  unhappy  strife — 
Again  shall  Russia  fear — our  troops,  ere  long, 
Shall,  satiate,  plunge  upon  her  flying  bands. 

Murat  then  answers :  Sire,  the  arduous  task 
To  me  assign'd,  no  common  skill  requires 
Like  mine  ;  but  as  thy  wisdom  makes  the  choice, 
To  call  it  ill  were  calling  thee  unwise. 
Full  soon,  I  trust,  this  wreck  will  be  repair  d 
By  thy  recruited  armies,  glorious  prone  ! 
Then  Russia  shall  repent  her  cruel  deeds, 
And  reel  beneath  the  influence  of  thy  power. 

Consult  the  wise — do  what  a  mortal  can — 
Napoleon  made  reply  ;  then  latent  rode 
Toward  his  France  o'er  snow-clad  kingdoms  wide ; 
And,  just  as  Sol  in  Capricornus  flam'd, 
On  Paris,  enter'd  in  the  shade  of  night, 
He  burst  all  potent  with  the  blush  of  morn, 
And  quick  the  lofty  helm  of  state  resumes. 


BOOK    VII. 


ANALYSIS. 

Napoleon  converses  with  the  Empress.  He  addresses  the  Council  of  State, 
and  the  Senate,  demanding  troops.  Deceit,  disturbed  by  the  rapid  increase 
of  his  army,  goes  to  the  mansion  of  Intrigue,  with  whom  she  devises  a 
scheme  for  paralyzing  the  power  of  the  Emperor,  and  they  proceed  to  put  it 
in  operation. 

Wisdom  and  Necessity  advise  Napoleon  to  appoint  Louisa  Regent  of  the 
empire,  before  he  leaves  France  on  his  intended  campaign. 

IN  his  grand  palace,  mid  the  queen  of  towns 
Napoleon  shines ;  his  fond  Louisa  there, 
Proud  dignitaries  of  his  empire  great, 
And  infant  offspring,  joy  at  his  return — 
He  sees  dear  looks,  and  hears  inquiries  kind  : 

How  blest  (his  spouse  begins,)  to  see  you  here 
Resume  the  father's,  husband's,  Emperor's  cares ! 
In  safety  come,  from  that  superior  war, 
O'er  the  long,  cold,  uncomfortable  way. 
Our  gentle  babe,  with  joyful  glances,  tries 
To  lisp  a  glorious  name.     Sweet  child !  he  lives 
Beneath  the  shade  of  laurels — future  heir 
Of  more  than  throne.     O  !  may  he  know  the  love 
Of  mighty  nations  !     What  fond  crowds  he  drew 
Before  thy  tent,  on  Borodino's  morn ! 
The  tale  was  grateful  to  a  mother's  ear : 
~No  courtiers  there,  but  noble  warriors  prais'd. 
The  kings,  at  Dresden,  too,  admired  our  prince, 
In  that  bright  morning  of  the  great  campaign : 
How  bloody  was  its  noon,  and  dark  its  close  ! 
Let  Heaven  be  prais'd  the  fearful  blast  is  spent, 
And  we  are  here.     Bold  Malet  is  destroy'd : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  381 

He  and  his  crew  will  never  more  conspire 
Against  our  honor  and  imperial  reign ; 
But  what  of  Russia,  and  thy  hosts  ?     I  knew 
Thy  retrocession  from  scorch'd  Moscow's  walls, 
For  winter  quarters  in  a  happier  clime  ! 

You  see  me  there  arriv'd  (her  lord  replies) ; 
I  would  my  sons  could  equal  fortune  boast. 
Borne  on  a  flood  of  wo,  to  France  I  come. 
A  deadly  frost  has  nipp'd  her  noblest  flowers ; 
How  many  breasts,  that  beat  with  great  resolves, 
Are  now  forever  dead  to  glory's  voice  ! 
In  Paris,  too,  iny  faithful  friends  have  died  : 
Alas !  poor  Malet ;  but  I  only  grieve, 
That  headlong  zeal,  with  indiscriminate  rage, 
The  dup'd  and  guilty  struck  alike  with  death. 
Did  not  the  arch  chancellor  know  my  crown's  best  gem 
Is  mercy,  that  he  thus  untimely  snatch'd 
From  them  dear  life,  from  me  the  power  to  save ! 

The  savage  Russians,  dreadful  to  themselves ! 
Destroy'd  their  realm  before  me ;  wasteful  fire 
Career'd  o'er  cities,  villages,  and  fields, 
Where  it  was  known  my  army  would  invade. 
On  Moscow's  site  I  tarried  much  too  long  ; 
Pride,  Rashness,  and  unnumber'd  passions  urg'd  : 
Hope  promis'd,  there,  to  crown  my  toils  with  peace  ; 
Wisdom,  too  late,  determined  for  my  weal, 
And  she  approach'd  me,  with  experience  arm'd ; 
Else  ill  reception  had  her  lesson  found. 
I  then  retreated  ;  but  the  inclement  skies 
Pour'd  forth  their  wintry  stores,  and  cloth'd  the  land 
With  frosty  seas ;  then  perish'd  all  my  steeds  ; 
Famine  and  cold  soon  half  my  host  destroy'd. 
The  enemy  now,  grown  impudent,  assay'd 
Our  final  wreck  ;  and  oft  would  bravely  charge 
Poor  fugitives,  disbanded,  and  unarm'd. 
Our  road  was  heap'd  with  ruins  of  the  brave  ; 
Thousands  in  fierce  contention  bit  the  dust ; 
Myriads,  benumb'd  by  freezing  tempests,  died ; 


382  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Thousands  surrender'd-to  severer  doom  ; 
And  few,  alas !  of  that  gigantic  host 
Recross'd  the  JSTiemen — these  Murat  controls, 
Conducting  fast  before  the  following  foe. 
Near  Poland's  bounds  I  left  him,  arid  twelve  days 
O'er  hills  and  vales,  thro'  kingdoms  wide,  I've  sped, 
Too  fast  for  treacherous  friends  to  form  resolves  : 
Doubtless,  the  Prussian  court,  a  day  too  late, 
Debated,  if  they  should  not  have  detained  ? 
Short  time  I  rest ;  for  here  this  war  not  ends  ; 
Another  formidable  host  shall  rise — 
Before  three  moons  have  wheel'd  their  pale  career 
I,  at  their  head,  will  take  the  field  ;  and  soon 
Shall  Russia's  bands  revisit  their  cold  clime, 
And  subject  kings,  who  now,  rejoicing,  see 
Deliverance  near  (how  blind  to  Russia's  aims !) 
Witness  anon  'tis  ours  to  curb  her  pride  ; 
ISTor  dare  refuse  their  subsidies,  nor  lift 
Rebellious  arms  against  our  mighty  throne. 
Then  France  shall  smile,  forgetful  of  her  woes, 
At  victory's  charms ;  and  Europe  still  remain 
Subservient  to  my  schemes,  and  fear  my  frown. 

Thus  he.     Louisa  then  rejoins  :  My  lord, 
Since  first  the  inauspicious  message  came 
Of  thy  retreat,  my  boding  soul  has  mourn'd. 
Full  well  I  knew  that  Fortune  was  unkind, 
From  thy  long  silence ;  for  her  smiles  are  soon 
Reflected,  and  by  countless  tongues  proclaim'd. 
Anxiety  o'erclouded  all  my  days  : 
Imagin'd  voices,  on  the  moaning  wind, 
Oft  took  my  ear  and  tales  of  terror  told. 
My  slumbers  were  disturb'd  by  frequent  dreams 
Of  men  of  other  worlds,  of  strange  attire, 
Of  regal  mobs,  and  messengers  from  thee, 
Rehearsing  orders  with  mysterious  air. 
Once  as  I  lay  in  Somnus'  downy  arms, 
Methought  a  herald  on  pale  horse  appear'd  : 
Haste,  haste  (he  cried)  and  seek  thy  father's  court, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  383 

St.  Cloud's  is  thine  no  more — a  tempest  roars — 
See  terror-looking  clouds  far  distant  move ; 
'Hear  the  deep  thunder  in  the  cloudless  sky ; 
Lo !  Sol  casts  paler  rays  :  'tis  nature's  wail 
For  thy  Napoleon  lost ;  no  more  he  shines 
In  godlike  splendor,  and  resistless  power. 
Inexorable  destiny  has  kill'd 
His  once  high  rule,  and  torn,  ah  !  cruelly  torn 
The  mighty  hero  from  Louisa's  arms, 
And  buried  far  in  ocean  isles  forlorn, 
Where  Fancy  on  sad  pilgrimage  will  stray, 
Beholding  him  conversing  with  past  times. 

This  said,  he  turn'd,  and  thro'  yon  wall  appear'd 
To  unimpeded  pass,  and  quick  was  gone ; 
I,  startled,  woke,  embrac'd  our  infant  son, 
The  soften'd  semblance  of  his  absent  sire, 
Whose  form  in  airy  circles  round  my  bed 
Was  hovering  like  familiar  thoughts,  that  keep 
The  mind  subjected  to  their  kind  control ; 
I  now  salute  thee,  now  thy  absence  mourn, 
And  fast,  with  joy,  or  sorrow,  chase  thy  shade. 

Thus  she  ;  the  hero,  smiling,  then  replies  : 
'Tis  well  to  use  our  mind  in  search  of  bliss, 
But  not  in  seeking  wo ;  conjecture's  field 
Is  wide  beyond  enjoyment ;  who  there  roves 
Should  gather  flowers,  not  thorns,  since  free  to  choose ; 
For  soon  stern  fate  will  give  the  bitter  draught 
To  sweeten  which  surpasses  Fancy's  power.  . 

Louisa  then  responded  :  Truth  indeed 
Alone  should  pain,  or  what  'tis  sure  will  come. 
Ills  round  us  hover,  while,  with  thoughtless  pace, 
We  pass  their  thickest  cloud.     I  ever  deem'd 
Thy  throne  on  doubtful  base :  'Twas  built  mid  storms, 
The  throes  of  stifled  faction,  and  the  frowns 
Of  Europe's  Monarchs ;  but  thy  genius  gives 
Assurance  firm  of  it's  duration  long. 
Sure  he,  who,  writh  small  force,  oppos'd  a  world, 
Who,  singly,  rein'd  throne-shaking  anarchs  wild, 


384  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES   GKNIN. 

Who,  with  inferior  numbers,  boldly  scal'd 
The  Eoric  Alps,  and  from  the  Simmering  aw'd 
The  German  states,  and  hush'd  the  dogs  of  war, 
May  scarce  from  this  imperial  height  be  driven. 

Thus  she,  and  forth  the  Emperor  speeds  to  meet 
His  councillors,  at  his  command,  conven'd ; 
To  whom  he  thus  unfolds  his  sovereign  will : 

This  once  I  come  from  war,  and  bring  no  joy  ; 
For  victory's  blaze  defeat's  deep  gloom  surrounds ; 
Instead  of  laws  for  guiding  conquer'd  states, 
I  now  propose  one  to  protect  our  France, 
Her  glory  and  integrity — secure 
The  constancy  of  our  allies — and  hurl 
The  Russian  legions  to  their  frightful  clime  : 
Four  hundred  thousand  should  be  call'd  to  arms, 
Ere  two  score  days  their  golden  light  diffuse. 
Foremost  in  rank,  I  shall  not  be  the  last 
In  reparation  of  this  ruin  foul. 
Ye,  next  in  place,  th'  occasion  needs  your  skill, 
As  well  to  suit  our  loss  to  vulgar  eyes, 
Whose  frailty  ill  sustains  the  beams  of  truth, 
As  to  collect  another  potent  host, 
Without  engendering  murmurs  most  intense. 
You  know  what  should  be  done ;  a  moment's  loss 
Long  years  may  not  redeem :  Beyond  the  Elb 
'Tis  best  to  check  th'  approaching  Russian  wave ; 
For  if  it  flow  on  Rhine's  confederate  states, 
It  wants  no  prophet  to  explore  our  doom  : 
Rebellion,  and  disorder  in  its  course, 
Will  show  their  heinous  faces,  and  talk  rude 
To  our  fine  feelings ;  let  us  then  exert 
That  energy,  which  preludes  to  success. 
Three  hundred  millions  will  my  vaults  supply 
Without  increas'd  taxation :  Twice  four  score 
Battalions  may  be  call'  from  Spain  ;  since  Soult 
Has  rais'd  the  siege  of  Cadiz,  and  confin'd 
To  Portugal  the  English  ;  who  obtain'd, 
At  Salamanca,  the  poor  privilege 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  385 

To  die  at  Burgos !     From  our  idle  ships 
Twice  twenty  thousand  sailors  may  recruit 
Th'  artillery's  corps ;  twice  fifty  thousand  come 
From  frontier  garrisons  :  Besides,  events 
Require  th'  anticipation  of  the  force, 
To  rise  from  conscripts  of  the  coming  year. 
Our  veteran  remnant  shall  have  sub-commands, 
And  thus  be  paid  their  humble  martial  toils. 
Twice  ten  important  fortresses  we  hold 
Between  the  Rhine  and  Baltic ;  these  are  safe. 
ISTo  gentle  blow  shall  fall  on  Russia  now — 
Her  blood  shall  reek  through  Poland's  injur'd  land, 
Till  satiate  France  on  Piemen's  brink  repose, 
Wipe  her  red  arms,  and  let  the  enemy  know, 
Th'  abuser  of  the  favors  Heaven  conferr'd, 
What  part  his  arms  in  our  defeat  have  borne,      fc 
That  prey'd  on  men  by  wintry  cold  subdued. 

The  Emperor  spoke,  and  Tronchet  thus  replied : 
Though  dark  on  France  has  lower'd  the  storm  of  fate, 
Her  glorious  Sun  in  thy  return  has  ris'n, 
Which  erst  dispell'd  more  inauspicious  gloom, 
When  hostile  navies  could  not  intercept 
Thy  course  from  Nile.     Soon,  furious  faction  curb'd, 
Thou  spread  thy  spirit  o'er  the  drooping  state, 
Which,  rous'd  to  daring  deeds,  scal'd  clouded  Alp's, 
Trod  the  cold  heights  that  frown  above  the  storms, 
And  rush'd  triumphant  o'er  Marengo's  field  ; 
Ah,  brave  Dessaix,  borne  thence  in  victory's  arms 
To  kindred  Heaven  !  still  thy  great  spirit  lives, 
That  nought  of  Fortune  ask'd  but  glorious  name  : 
We  see  our  Emperor  undepress'd  by  wo, 
As  uninflated,  when  Fame  flew  before, 
Sounding  his  coming  from  Vienna's  throne, 
Wagram's,  Friedland's,  Eylau's,  or  Jena's  field. 
Sublime  exemplar  to  the  sons  of  France  ! 
We  hail  thy  presence,  while  our  enemies  grieve 
That  thou  didst  timely  quit  thy  freezing  bands 
To  raise  accoutred  myriads  to  oppose 
25 


386  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Th'  impetuous  Eussian  torrent.     Every  heart 

Should  second,  with  strong  zeal,  thy  grand  designs, 

And  praise  the  genius,  that  controls  thy  ways, 

Since  safe  escap'd  the  luckless  northern  war, 

And  treason's  sword  bold  pointed  at  thy  throne  : 

But  were  less  troops  requir'd  by  this  decree, 

Would  not  the  Senate  earlier  give  it  seal  ? 

For  they  may  doubt  the  need  of  force  so  strong, 

Or  peace  prefer  to  sacrifice  so  great, 

And,  hesitating,  lose  the  fortunate  time. 

Less  numbers  soon  on  battle-field  array'd, 

May  more  effect  than  greater  numbers  late. 

Doubtless,  none  better  than  thyself  can  judge 

What  force  is  wanted  to  repel  the  foe ; 

And  we,  who  our  incompetence  discern 

As  thy  capacity  to  well  decide, 

And  weighty  interest  in  what  shall  result, 

Could  ill  object  th'  amount  thou  hast  propos'd  ; 

But  Ignorance  and  Folly  are  inclin'd 

To  Wisdom's  chair  usurp  ;  they  confident 

Walk  precipices,  for  they  see  no  gulfs, 

Judgment  o'er  all  things  readily  assume, 

And  what  they  comprehend  not  straight  condemn  ; 

Hence,  some  regard  is  to  their  weakness  due, 

As  to  the  object  which  we  would  attain. 

Thus  he  ;  th'  imperial  Chief  forthwith  rejoin'd  : 
The  number  suits  the  menac'd  Empire's  wants 
If  not  the  Senate's  wisdom,  which,  untried, 
Has  been  suspected,  doubtless,  underpriz'd  ; 
But  lest  that  body  should  be  loth  to  grant 
Such  armies  as  we  need,  unless  inform'd 
What  mishap  hath  befell  us,  I  will  state 
The  sum  of  our  disasters,  show  the  want 
Of  great  exertions  to  retrieve  our  loss. 

The  part  to  be  perform'd  is  somewhat  new — 
Erst,  to  rejoice  was  the  main  task  impos'd 
When  I  return'd  from  battle.     Souls  infirm 
Are  equal  to  such  burden.     The  small  child 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  387 

May  caper  gladly  for  august  exploits  ; 

But  firm  and  wise  men,  only,  can  withstand 

The  flood  of  adverse  fortune,  interrupt 

Its  hurtful  course,  and  give  it  glorious  turn. 

France  now  may  win  the  praise  of  fortitude, 
Yield  vanity,  for  pride,  and  exercise 
That  energy,  by  which  myself  so  oft 
Have  given  her  joy,  and  made  her  name  renown'd. 
Her  character  in  great  prosperity 
Is  understood.     Her  grandeur  on  a  sea 
Of  glory,  by  fair  gales  impell'd,  mankind 
Have  witness'd  and  admir'd  ;  still  let  them  gaze 
In  wonder  at  our  greatness,  that  can  move 
Majestic  on,  though  adverse  tempests  blow 
Tremendous  storm  ;  nor  let  our  towering  state 
At  the  first  frown  of  Fortune  disappear  ; 
Nor  man  believe  that  in  our  heroes  lost 
Dwelt  all  the  bravery  for  which  France  is  fam'd  ; 
That  in  them  died  our  glory  ;  nor,  they  gone, 
Let  it  be  said  France  shrunk,  exanimate, 
No  valor  left,  no  soul  her  conquests  to  preserve  ; 
But  like  a  corpse  thrown  on  the  shore  by  waves 
Became  the  prey  of  those  who  would  devour. 
A  nation's  faith  invigorates  its  deeds  : 
When  thickening  dangers  threat,  trim  well  Hope's  lamp, 
Then  joyful  scenes  rise  e'en  beyond  the  grave  ; 
Defeat  will  come  a  stranger  to  Despair, 
And  the  sore  beaten,  still  triumphant  toil. 
I  hold  no  plough  behind  a  moveless  team — 
'Tis  hard  to  steer  the  ship,  and  work  the  sails — 
What  can  a  monarch  with  a  heartless  realm  ! 

He  ended.     To  his  Senate  straight  repair'd — 
The  Council  made  obeisance  as  withdrew 
Their  august  paramount — the  Senate  rose, 
Bow'd  reverent,  and  thus  heard  th'  imperial  voice  : 

Assembled  worthies  of  our  realm,  give  ear ; 
Famine  and  numbing  Winter  on  us  warr'd, 
Besides  belligerent  Russians,  this  campaign, 


388  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  ruin'd  our  vast  armies  ;  but  the  brave 

Yield  not  to  one  misfortune  ;  nor  are  names 

Of  patriotism  quench'd,  if  wo  betide  ; 

But  burn  more  brilliant,  as  the  danger  grows, 

And  urge  to  deeds  of  fame,  useful  as  fair. 

'Tis  then  the  sound  are  known.     The  solid  oak 

Makes  roar  th'  assaulting  blast,  and  braves  the  storm, 

While,  falling  round  it,  crash  the  carious  trees, 

Which  proudly  toss'd  their  head  when  zephyr  breath'd. 

Heaven  grant  no  Frenchman  prove  a  rotten  staff, 

On  which  the  Empire  may  not  lean  secure 

Her  weary  weight ;  we  hope  to  find  all  hearts 

In  unison  with  patriotic  tongues  ; 

And  see  the  conscripts  of  th'  ensuing  year 

At  our  disposal.     Great  resource  we  need 

On  this  occasion,  and  your  prompt  support. 

Let  not  th'  allies  mistrust  our  power  to  shield  ; 

Distinctly  let  th'  advancing  Russians  know 

'Twas  frost,  and  not  their  valor,  foil'd  our  arms. 

This  said,  the  Chief  his  splendid  palace  sought, 
Where  finding  his  Louisa  heavenly  bright, 
In  lovely  beauty  blushing,  all  her  charms 
Rush  on  his  soul,  and  deep  enchantment  hold. 
As  he  surveys  her  by  the  Graces  rob'd, 
His  soften'd  breast  with  joyous  transport  glows. 
Her  gentle  voice  dispels  imperial  cares, 
As  solar  rays  disperse  the  mists  of  morn, 
Or  steal  the  pearly  dew  from  vernal  flowers. 

The  statute  sanction'd  which  the  Chief  propos'd, 
In  season  due,  with  troops  his  empire  teem'd  : 
Thrice  six  score  thousand  sought  the  scene  of  war. 
Another  host,  of  realm-disposing  power  ! 

This,  from  her  sable  dell,  Deceit  survey'd 
With  wrath,  distrust,  anxiety  and  fear, 
And  thus  she  muses  :  What !  will  France  behold 
The  wreck  of  mighty  armies,  by  rash  deeds, 
And  still  give  others  to  the  same  wild  hand  ! 
O  Heaven  !  how  Fortune  favors  this  bold  Chiet ! 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  389 

As  through  him  she  would  sport  with  Earth's  great  kings  : 

How  many  armies  must  he  waste  !     How  long 

Disturb  the  world,  before  his  power  shall  fall ! 

"Will  that  high  parliament  still  passive  bear 

The  lash  of  tyranny,  nor  check  his  course 

So  ruinous  grown  ?     But  chase  through  blood  the  shade 

Of  mournful  glory  ?     Hail,  Intrigue,  in  thee 

I  trust  for  future  aid.     Swift  to  thy  hall 

High  in  night's  phantom-peopled  cone  I  go. 

Thus  meditating,  forth,  on  gloomy  wings, 
O'ershadowing  many  a  plain,  the  spirit  flew ; 
Her  eyes  were  glowing  with  malignant  soul ; 
Her  face  was  furrow'd  like  the  raging  sea  ; 
Her  voice,  like  rumbling  thunder,  heard  remote, 
Or  ocean's  roar,  ere  bursts  thj  impending  storm, 
Threaten'd  bad  deeds.     Thus  seem'd  she  to  the  muse 
As  Satan  on  Niphates'  brow  ;  but  mortal  eyes 
Had  nought  beheld  but  innocence  and  truth. 
Soon  in  the  clouds  she  meets  the  subtle  Queen, 
Travelling  in  darkness  ;  each  from  th'  other  shrunk, 
Deeming  she  saw  hell's  monarch  ;  then  assum'd 
Politic  air,  and  straight  each  other  knew. 
Auspicious  !  cries  Deceit,  with  countenance  chang'd 
As  heaven's  when,  storms  just  spent,  the  sun  outshines, 
Earth  joys,  birds  sing,  rills  foam,  and  rainbows  gild 
The  lingering  vapors  in  the  blue  expanse  ; 
Auspicious  power  !  with  gladness  thou  art  met 
By  one,  that  was  repairing  to  thy  Hall, 
To  get  thy  aid,  to  balk  Napoleon's  war. 

Pursue  thy  course  then,  (thus  Intrigue  replies  ;) 
For  I  was  wending  to  thy  gloomy  cave  : 
Are  we  not  nearer  mine  than  your  abode  ? 

So  they,  then  journeying  toward  the  Syren  dome, 
Intrigue  remarks  :  Our  road  lies  up  yon  steep 
Where  thunder-laboring  clouds,  like  ghastly  forms, 
Seem  wielding  quivering  lightning  in  their  hands, 
And  frowning  on  the  passing  traveller  : 
E'en  as  Fredonia's  sage  would  them  disarm 


390  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENEN. 

Of  all  their  blasting  fire  we  must  extract 
The  Gallic  Emperor's  power  ;  so,  like  dark  cloud, 
Of  his  throne-rending  bolts  deprived,  he  frown 
Harmless,  though  dark,  and  shed  some  drops  in  rage. 
'Tis  seldom  with  o'erwhelming  force  I  move 
Direct  to  the  fulfillment  of  our  will ; 
Bat  that,  at  length,  attain  by  patient  toil, 
Wandering  through  murky  wasts,  toss'd  by  rude  gusts 
Of  apprehension  into  deepest  gloom, 
"Where  e'en  myself,  bewilder'd,  often  mourn. 

Deceit  replies  :  I  toilsome  work  have  found 
My  secret  objects  to  conceal  from  Kings  ; 
But  greatest  circumspection  can  alone 
Secure  against  Napoleon's  nimble  glance. 
'Tis  difficult  my  anger  to  suppress, 
Which  fain  would  burst  in  bold  rebellion  forth, 
And  from  its  broad  foundation  rend  his  throne. 
Alas  !  I  saw  Death  sack  his  mighty  host 
In  Russian  land,  and  hop'd  in  vain  that  France 
Would  straight  the  luckless  Emperor  spurn ;  but  lo  ! 
Though  few  diurnal  suns  have  shone  since  he, 
O'er  many  a  realm,  in  flight  from  Russia,  sped, 
An  army,  like  his  last,  of  peerless  force, 
Is  darkening  all  the  avenues  to  the  Elb  ; 
As  if,  with  Hydra,  Hercules-foiling  power, 
Throne-shaking  Gaul  pour'd  armies  from  her  wounds. 

Despising  our  importance,  he  reveal'd 
His  great  disasters,  and  his  pressing  wants. 
In  truth,  he  seldom  has  invok'd  our  aid  : 
Pride  tells  him  one  so  potent  has  no  need 
Of  our  assistance,  and  no  arts  he  tries, 
Where  bayonets  may  accomplish  his  designs. 

Advise,  for  well  thou  canst,  what  way  our  force 
Should  be  directed  to  effect  his  fall ; 
Decide,  what  point  is  most  assailable 
In  his  wise  government,  that  there  attack 
May  be  commenc'd,  in  secrecy  profound, 
And  he  be  headlong  hurl'd  from  his  proud  height. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  391 

Thus  she,  and  now  above  the  eddying  winds, 
They  enter  the  dun  Palace  of  Intrigue, 
Invisible,  till  on  the  threshold  stands 
Th'  observer ;  there  she  saw  unnumbered  schemes, 
Illusions  fatal,  fables  incomplete, 
And  beauteous  forms,  whirling  in  sprightly  dance, 
Thus  singing :  Here,  above  the  flying  clouds, 
We  far  survey  the  various  world,  and  seek, 
Wandering  in  whirlwinds  to  and  fro,  the  praise 
Of  well-performing  our  controller's  will. 
Success  attends,  unless  our  augury  fail : 
On  Fortune's  visage  plays  portentous  smiles, 
As  she  the  greatest  of  mankind  beholds : 
With  her  who  sports  with  mortals,  we  conspire, 
And  read  her  countenance  with  unceasing  care. 

Th'  inglorious  clown  is  happy  in  his  plains ; 
The  sage  in  contemplation  ;  but  no  ease 
Is  ours,  save  triumph  transient,  when  success 
Attends  some  desperate  round  of  artful  toil, 
To  urge  the  fate  of  nations  ;  darkness  guards, 
We  fight  with  arms  unseen ;  in  silence  march. 
With  marvellous  expedition,  and  lead  men 
By  fascinating  melody,  to  build 
Scaffolds,  forge  chains,  dread  tyrannies  erect, 
And  kill  their  friends,  whom  we  cannot  deceive — 
The  friends,  who  show  them,  whither  lead  their  steps. 
They  quit  the  substance,  to  admire  the  form ; 
Forsake  religion,  to  adore  the  priest, 
And,  following  him,  religion's  self  destroy ! 
Mistake  a  Demagogue  for  Liberty  ! 
And,  following  him,  the  blissful  Goddess  slay  ! 
We  swear  she  still  exists ;  the  fools  believe, 
Although  their  chief  has  broke  her  vital  laws ! 
We  then  confine  them  to  his  iron  car. 
They  dup'd  ?  not  they !     We  call  them  very  wise  : 
They  hug,  because  they  think  they  chose  their  chains ; 
And  deem  it  a  poor  freedom  that  not  gives 
The  privilege  to  be  degraded  slaves ! 


392  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN". 

Thus  they — and  instant  vanish'd  in  the  air. 
The  queen  ascends  the  throne  of  various  hues, 
Whence  meteors  gleam,  and  hollow  murmurs  rise, 
And  thus  resumes  the  converse  with  her  guest : 

Belov'd  of  old,  what  caused  my  journey  hence 
Toward  thy  abode,  this  time,  was  Gaul's  dread  king : 
When  last  refreshing  slumber  o'er  me  stole, 
I  saw  proud  Londonderry,  bleeding,  fall 
Before  his  voice,  and  fiends,  with  ghastly  smile, 
Beckoning,  invite  him  to  the  roaring  deep. 
I  saw  an  eagle,  on  a  rock  confin'd, 
Insulted  by  a  chattering  magpie  mean. 
A  hideous  spectre,  hovering  o'er  my  head, 
Thus  broke  my  calm  repose :  Rise,  slumbering  queen, 
Sleep'st  thou  while  great  events  demand  thy  care  ? 
Thy  peer,  Deceit,  is  shining  in  her  arms, 
Improving  this  rare  time,  intent  on  deeds 
Important  of  result :  Attend  my  hest ; 
Go,  with  her  counsel,  in  the  dark  abode. 

I  then  rose  from  my  couch  ;  the  spirits  round 
Shudder'd  at  my  ascension  in  wild  haste. 
Grasping  my  arms,  and  armor,  in  dark  clouds 
On  whirlwinds'  wings,  midst  naming  bolts,  I  rode 
Along  the  gloomy  heavens,  till,  thou  in  sight, 
I  paus'd,  in  horror,  till  I  heard  thy  voice. 

'Tis  most  momentous  to  determine,  where 
We  may  attempt,  with  safety,  to  dismount 
Napoleon,  puissant  and  wise ;  but  few 
Can  be  discern'd,  appropriate  to  our  end, 
And  realizing  power :  His  parliament, 
Fit  engine  of  our  battle,  these  contains ; 
Who,  midst  their  comrades,  with  our  timely  aid, 
May  spread  hostility  against  his  power ; 
Or  cause  them  to  protest  'gainst  further  strife, 
Him  baffling,  and  informing  France  how  ill 
He  governs ;  and  what  inauspicious  war 
He  wages,  ruinous  to  her  wealth  and  fame ; 
When  she  may  try  to  counteract  his  will, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  393 

Or  hear  indifferent  his  intense  demands, 
Delaying  his  commencement  of  attack 
Of  Russia's  conquering  hosts,  till  they  have  march'd 
E'en  through  Bavaria,  and  the  subject  realms, 
Emancipated  from  his  'grasp,  rejoice ; 
When  the  vast  forces  of  a  conjunct  world, 
Embattled  bold  against  his  damning  reign, 
Shall  rush  resistless  to  proud  Paris'  walls. 

She  ended,  and  Deceit,  well  pleas'd,  replied : 
Thine  seems  the  most  efficient  plan,  to  war 
In  secret  manner  on  the  mighty  Chief; 
For  divers  members  of  his  parliament 
To  me  have  made  bold  vows,  and  prayers  preferr'd  ; 
These  now  enjoy  their  sovereign's  high  regard — 
Among  them  exercise  enticing  arts, 
And  specious  reasoning  ;  while  I,  intent 
To  wean,  whose  private  acts  have  long  inclin'd 
Against  his  reign,  forthwith  depart ;  and  soon 
The  major  number  of  his  Senate  grave,  • 
Will  venture  to  oppose  his  high  resolves. 

Thus  spoke  she,  and  dispread  her  pinions  dark, 
And  plunging  through  the  rolling  clouds  below, 
Immediate  to  th'  imperial  Synod  pass'd ; 
There,  in  sly  Fouche's  form,  sped  to  and  fro, 
Intent  on  alienation  from  their  king 
Of  duteous  subjects.     Soon  amidst  them  she 
Th'  infection  of  dislike  and  doubt  diffused  ; 
Thus  whispering  to  their  souls :  What  odious  tasks 
May  men  of  honesty  and  worth  perform ! 
Yok'd  to  the  policy  of  him  ye  fear, 
You  drag  his  chariot  o'er  forbidden  ground, 
While  high  he  sits,  and  strews  the  world  with  death, 
The  wheels,  remorseless,  crushing  mighty  states, 
The  laws,  in  which  the  citizen's  safety  lies, 
And  rights  of  monarchs,  to  the  woe  of  France. 
What  blood,  what  treasure  has  she  lost,  for  nought, 
But  to  support  a  throne,  whose  sultry  glare 
Breeds  ceaseless  storms ;  nor  till  this  season 's  past 


394  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Of  opposition  to  legitimate  sway 

Will  peace'  fair  beams  disperse  these  steely  clouds. 

This  war-engendering  sun  must  cease  to  shine. 

I  see  you  drag  him  with  .reluctant  pace  ; 

How  long  will  ye  lack  spirit  to  be  men  ? 

How  long  will  ye  see  Folly  wreck  your  sons, 

Your  country's  purest  blood  on  hostile  swords  ? 

Perhaps  ye  say,  "  till  apt  occasion  comes ;" 

But  many  years  of  obloquy  may  roll, 

And  you  have  travelled  to  the  silent  tomb, 

Ere  better  chance  occur  to  check  his  course, 

And  make  yourselves  respected,  as  the  voice 

Of  suffering  France ;  but  if  no  patriot  cause 

Excite  to  energy,  and  bold  repulse 

Of  wrong  demands,  are  ye  of  vengeance  void  ? 

Has  his  imperial  will  ne'er  thwarted  yours  ? 

Now  is  the  time  to  vindicate  your  rights  ; 

Protest  against  the  farther  rage  of  war ; 

This  may  defeat  his  sanguinary  schemes, 

And  mitigate,  or  banish  Gallic  woes. 

But  breathe  not  to  the  world  your  main  intent, 

'Till  half  your  comrades  in  the  work  conspire ; 

Then  sound  it  with  a  voice  of  thunder  loud 

Through  all  the  nations  subject  to  his  sway — 

Its  influence  will  confound  the  lord  of  kings. 

Have  faith  and  fear  not ;  for  the  peril 's  small, 

When  fate  is  favoring  our  conceal'd  desire. 

Thus  she ;  Intrigue,  with  changeful  face,  proceeds : 
What  way  then  should  ye  strive  against  his  power  ? 
There  seems  none  better  than  determin'd  stand 
Against  the  farther  progress  of  a  war, 
So  ruinous  prov'd  :  Your  potent  voice  will  swell 
The  tide  of  disaffection,  that  his  ranks 
Be  till'd  reluctant,  and  his  march  delay'd, 
'Till  wide  rebellion  of  the  subject  kings 
Deprive  him  of  resource,  on  which  he  dotes. 
And  thrice  more  formidable  make  his  foe. 
Thus  may  the  causes  of  his  fall  begin, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  395 

And  thus  his  warrior  mien  be  taught  to  wear, 

Instead  of  stormy  frowns,  a  flattering  smile, 

When  you  approach  his  throne ;  well  disciplin'd 

By  this  insidious  exercise  of  power. 

Persuade  your  peers,  his  victories  France  would  curse, 

Since  war  would  thence  increase  to  glut  his  lust, 

And  not  to  guard  her  rights,  or  punish  wrong. 

Then  move  t'  address  th'  imperial  Chief  for  peace ; 

Show  much  concern  that  his  resource  will  fail, 

Since  his  vast  losses  in  the  Russian  war. 

Apparent  innocence  will  face  the  deed, 

And  while  he  deems  that  you  mistake  his  means, 

And  pities,  or  rebukes,  the  nation  rous'd 

From  a  blind  fondness  will  condemn  the  man, 

"Who  pours  her  blood  profuse  o'er  half  the  world. 

Thus  the  arch  beings,  with  the  moving  voice 
Of  patriotism,  influence  gain'd  o'er  half 
Th'  assembled  Legislature — who  assent 
To  practise  the  dark  counsel  in  fit  hour. 

The  while,  grave  Wisdom  scans  Napoleon's  plight, 
Surveys  events  long  past — casts  doubtful  looks 
On  the  dark  future,  and  thus  Need  address'd  : 

I  see  and  shun  what  Folly  waits  to  feel ; 
France  claims  my  care  t'  avert  contingent  ills ; 
If  her  great  Emperor  fall  in  distant  war, 
Will  not  the  woes  of  former  times  prevail, 
When  Revolution  rear'd  her  giddy  head, 
And  bellow'd,  as  she  walk'd  in  darkness  forth, 
Good  will  to  man,  and  Reason  call'd  her  God ; 
While,  close  behind,  Murder  tremendous  crouch'd, 
And  all  the  Furies  that  disturb  mankind. 
E'en  Justice'  scale  became  th'  Assassin's  sword, 
And  blood-stain'd  Crime  frown'd  on  the  trembling  world 
From  midst  the  ruins  of  the  good  and  great. 

But  though  no  anarchy  ensue,  some  chief 
Th'  imperial  diadem  may  try  to  gain, 
And  his  superior  dynasty  preclude. 
Such  evil  to  prevent,  'tis  Wisdom's  choice, 


396  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENINV 

Ere  his  departure,  he  make  Regent  one 

To  whom  he  can  confide  th'  important  charge  ; 

That  he,  who  has  the  right,  may  have  pronounc'd 

"What  voice  the  realm  should  heed,  when  he 's  no  more  ; 

"Which  those  who  prize  his  reign  should  glad  obey, 

And  in  the  Regent's  see  the  Emperor's  rule. 

As  yet  his  son  o'erlooks  but  infant  scenes, 

And  moves,  with  innocence,  in  smiles  and  tears. 

Louisa  is  adapted  to  sustain 

Th'  important  trust,  and  answer  his  designs  ; 

I  then  will  move  the  monarch  to  appoint 

His  partner  to  the  Regency  before 

He  leave  fair  Paris  for  the  tented  field, 

If  it  seem  meet  to  thee.     She  spoke  ;  stern  Need, 

Her  rigid  features  softening  into  smiles, 

Thus  answers  :  '  Tis  my  pleasure,  as  'tis  thine  : 

Begin  the  work  Necessity  requires. 

At  my  imperious  call  thou  always  giv'st 

Thy  useful  lesson,  grateful  to  thy  Jove ; 

For  what  thou  dost  is  ratified  by  fate. 

When  Heaven  and  Earth  were  not,  and  Time  was  young, 

I  heard  thee  converse  with  the  lord  of  worlds 

In  the  dark  deeps  of  chaos,  where  Ens  warr'd  ; 

Flames,  lands  and  seas,  in  tempest  counter  driv'n, 

Dash'd  in  tremendous  uproar,  and  dread  love  : 

Fierce  Oxygen  there  mingled  all  his  soul 

"With  sweet  attractive  Carbon,  and  the  chaste 

Strong  Alkalies ;  huge  Saline  mountains  rose, 

Which  Sulphur's  blue  combustion  decompos'd, 

Or  deliquating  roll'd  with  foamy  waves, 

Boiling  o'er  torrid  rocks,  and  hissing  loud 

In  burning  oceans  ;  adverse  coming  rush'd 

Large  icy  mountains  'thwart  the  blazing  waste, 

Scattering  the  bellowing  flames  in  volumes  vast, 

Unnumber'd  leagues  asunder'd ;  flinty  rocks 

Of  size  stupendous,  in  fierce  conflict  dash'd, 

With  shatter'd  sides  rebounded  through  the  wild 

Farther  than  fiery  comet  ever  wheel'd, 


THE    NAPOLEAD. 

Until  rebuff 'd  by  adamantine  blasts. 
The  warring  elements  of  countless  worlds 
Unborn,  rag'd  through  the  deep,  confounding  all 
Save  the  dread  sanctuary  of  nature's  God. 
Since  that  prime  era  thou  hast  been  my  friend, 
And  I  thy  frequent  consort  with  mankind. 

Thus  she  ;  the  Queen  rejoins  :  Pleas'd  I  revert 
To  that  primeval  time,  when  I  advis'd 
To  terminate  the  elemental  war, 
And  stop  the  dreadful  clangor  of  the  deep, 
By  giving  matter  gravity's  stern  law, 
Whence  spring  these  rolling  worlds  and  stellar  orbs : 

Great  Jove  determined  on  creation's  plan, 
Instant  suspended  nature's  stormy  loves, 
And  silence  through  immensity  prevail'd. 
Come  to  my  presence  (thus  he  loud  commands 
As  high  he  mov'd  where  now  the  milk-way  glows), 
Ye  most  refm'd  concretions,  and  most  fair. 

He  ceas'd,  and  brilliant  trails  through  chaos  shone ; 
From  every  quarter  of  the  vast  profound 
Rush'd,  at  his  mandate,  precious  mountains  bright, 
Of  which  topazes,  rubies,  all  earth's  gems, 
And  much-respected  gold,  are  but  the  dross. 
They  shed  inherent  light ;  their  kind  unknown 
Receives  no  name  among  the  sons  of  men. 
These  shining  fragments,  in  huge  globes  conjoin'd, 
Thrice  fourscore  larger  than  this  earth  he  nVd 
To  be  the  guide,  the  life  and  light  of  worlds. 
Then  form'd  the  planetary  orbs  opaque 
Of  matter  crude,  and  in  their  orbits  plac'd. 
So  planets,  satellites  and  suns  he  hurl'd 
In  his  immensity,  in  order  fair, 
That  roll  harmonious,  and  their  Maker  praise, 
And  nourish  numberless  organic  forms, 
By  laws  electric  vital  motion  given. 
She  ended,  and  majestic  mounts  her  car, 
By  Prudence  form'd  ;  Prudence  beside  her  glides, 
Rob'd  in  sage  triumphs,  and  with  light  adorn'd  ; 


39Y 


398  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

The  signal  given,  the  heavenly  coursers  move 
In  awful  splendor  through  the  wondering  skies. 
At  length  adown,  mid  forest  shades,  they  drive, 
Till  Somnus  and  black  darkness  hush  the  world  ; 
Then  o'er  the  slumbering  villages  they  speed, 
And  sudden  enter  the  secluded  room 
In  the  grand  palace  of  Napoleon  ;  there, 
In  the  still  midnight  hour,  the  chief  they  find 
Deep  musing  of  his  monarchy  and  wars. 

I  come,  says  Wisdom,  to  illume,  and  point 
Thy  better  way — attend  my  friendly  voice, 
With  all  considering  mind  ;  for  late,  I  ween, 
.    By  inattention,  or  by  Rashness,  Pride, 
And  Vanity  controll'd,  you  plung'd  in  wo. 
'  Tis  better,  what  thou  hast  to  keep,  than  all 
Lose,  or  endanger  in  acquiring  more  : 
High  Duty  bids,  our  country  shield  from  woes  : 
Who  serves  humanity  best  serves  his  God  : 
Wast  thou  to  perish  in  a  distant  field 
Might  not  wild  anarchy,  and  civil  war, 
Hideous  as  hell's  inexorable  gates, 
Stalk  o'er  this  land,  unless  some  regent  reign  ? 
Appoint  fit  person,  then,  to  that  high  charge, 
Before  again  thou  tread'st  the  fields  of  death  ; 
One  who  will  guard  the  throne,  till  thy  lov'd  son 
Wax  strong  in  years,  and  learn  the  ways  of  state  ; 
For  yet  on  woman's  arm  he  spends  his  time. 
Louisa  seems  best  suited  to  the  trust — 
Be  she  appointed  in  due  form,  then  care  • 
With  less  abound  upon  thy  road  to  war  ; 
Nor  power,  by  majesty  untemper'd,  smite 
With  indiscriminate  harshness,  the  poor  dupe 
Of  Treason's  falsehoods,  deaf  to  mercy's  voice ; 
Nor  dog-like  sycophants,  to  prove  their  zeal, 
By  hurrying  pardon's  object  to  the  tomb, 
Snatch  from  thy  arm  the  glorious  power  to  save. 

So  she  ;  the  hero  vows  to  obey  her  voice. 
The  sapient  power  remounts  her  airy  wain, 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  399 

And  instantaneous,  scales  the  lofty  skies. 
Somnus,  the  while,  with  flowers  narcotic  crown'd, 
Appears  before  the  emperor,  and  exclaims : 

'  Tis  time  the  downy  pillow  eas'd  thy  head  ; 
'  Tis  time  oblations  were  to  me  preferr'd  ; 
Full  half  mankind  are  tost  in  balmy  arms, 
Enjoying  near  the  pleasure  of  the  grave  ; 
The  beasts  of  prey  are  prowling  through  the  shades, 
The  ducks  are  busy  on  the  peaceful  lakes  ; 
The  floods  roll  darkling,  and  the  wind  faint  breathes  ; 
But  man  is  slumbering ;  cocks  have  crow'd,  and  soon 
Bright  blushing  morn  will  drive  me  westward  far — 
Ah  !  why  should  Wisdom  thus  disturb  my  reign, 
Who  bids  the  world  awake  at  dayspring  gray  ! 
Respect  my  call  and  quench  the  torch  of  night. 

He  spoke  ;  Napoleon  to  his  couch  repairs, 
And,  with  Louisa,  quaffs  the  balmy  tide 
Of  renovating  slumber,  while  the  hours 
Unnotic'd  fly,  exempt  from  gloomy  care. 


BOOK   VIII. 


ANALYSIS. 

Conversation  between  Napoleon  and  Louisa  concerning  her  acceptance  of 
the  Regency.  She  is  appointed  to  the  vicarious  government.  Description 
of  the  ceremony.  This  event  made  known  to  the  Senate,  Intrigue  and 
Deceit  inspire  the  members,  who  are  unfriendly  to  the  Sovereign,  to  thank 
him  for  the  act,  the  better  to  mask  their  designs.  Napoleon's  soliloquy. 
Gallois  and  others  proceed  to  solicit  the  Emperor  for  peace.  Their  speeches. 
Offended  at  their  address,  he  suddenly  dismisses  the  Legislative  body, 
which  alarms  Deceit  but  reassures  Intrigue. 

Now  golden  tints  spread  o'er  the  orient  sky  ; 
Far  west  the  vanquished  shadowy  night  retires  ; 
Men  disencumber' d  of  their  drowsy  weight, 
Forth  sally  to  their  toil ;  the  King  of  kings, 
Who  rose  as  night  withdrew  her  gloomy  shade, 
Peruses  history's  pages,  till  his  Queen 
Shines  in  his  presence,  like  another  morn, 
To  whom  he  thus  begins  :  The  time  draws  near, 
When  I  again  must  seek  the  distant  war, 
My  better  part  forsaking.     There,  should  fate 
Confine  your  emperor  to  the  dreary  grave 
Much  misery  might  betide  our  ample  realm, 
Imperial  throne  and  kindred ;  bloody  war, 
By  civil  rage  excited,  make  France  scowl, 
With  face  of  death,  and  worthy  millions  mourn  ; 
Unless  my  law  make  regent,  ere  I  march, 
Whom  interest,  duty  and  benevolence  sway 
To  well  protect  our  monarchy  and  name, 
Till  our  lov'd  son  attain  maturer  years. 
No  one  I  know  more  suited  to  that  charge 
Than  thou ;  and  thou  th'  appointment  shalt  receive, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  401 

If,  rul'd  by  Wisdom,  thou  consent  to  bear 
The  honor'd  burden ;  so,  a  mother's  love, 
Arm'd  with  imperial  power,  shall  guard  our  child 
From  danger,  and  secure  his  future  reign. 

He  ends  ;-  Louisa  answers :  Sovereign  lord, 
Much  sapience  taught  thee  to  perform  the  deed ; 
Who  seems  most  qualified  to  act,  appoint : 
'  Tis  pleasing  in  superior  sphere  to  move, 
Be  lofty  consort  of  the  warrior  king, 
And  regent  of  his  throne ;  but  female  arm 
May  prove  too  weak  the  helm  of  state  to  guide. 
Perhaps  thou  might'  st  select  some  abler  one, 
Whom  science  and  experience  well  acquaint 
To  guard  a  threaten'd  monarchy,  and  whom 
Might  be  intrusted  with  the  weighty  charge. 
If  such  were  nam'd  'twould  from  great  cares  relieve, 
And  sweeten,  if  not  elevate,  my  life. 
Eugene,  the  valiant,  of  distinguish'd  mind, 
In  whom  the  virtues  hold  their  gentle  reign, 
Would  all  the  duties  of  the  post  fulfill, 
Resist  temptation,  studious  to  be  just, 
And,  unimpair'd,  the  mighty  charge  consign 
To  our  lov'd  offspring  on  th'  appointed  day. 

Thus  spoke  the  blooming  queen  ;  the  chief  replies  : 
In  him  I  have  much  faith,  but  more  in  thee. 
A  late  event  proves  thou  should'st  hold  the  helm  : 
The  rumor  of  my  death  would  then  not  hatch 
New  governments  beneath  the  wings  of  night : 
Nor  would  the  memories  of  our  friends  be  task'd 
To  bear  in  mind  the  Empire's  rightful  heir ! 
What  honor  gives  I  would  confer  on  those 
Exalted  in  my  love :  In  thee  I  view 
The  faithful  guardian  of  our  infant  son, 
Impell'd  by  nature  to  promote  his  weal. 
Unerring  nature  !  who  confides  in  thee 
Shall  seldom  hope  in  vain  !     It  ill  becomes 
Me  to  release  security  so  safe, 
For  that  which  moral  barriers  may  supply, 
26 


402  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES   GENIX. 

Without  remonstrance ;  but  some  farther  thought 

Will  teach  thee  to  resign  inglorious  ease, 

For  dignity  of  power,  august  renown, 

And  the  sure  being  of  our  mighty  throne. 

I  had  quaffd  pleasure,  and  flown  down  life's  stream 

Without  a  crown,  if  pleasure  were  in  sloth  ; 

But  Glory  call'd ;  well  pleas'd  I  heard  her  voice ; 

Whence,  Fame  shall  weary  all  her  tongues  for  me,. 

AVhen  this  frail  tenement  is  cold  and  dead  ; 

And  grateful  millions  praise,  in  future  years, 

The  labors  that  unlock'd  the  springs  of  bliss. 

The  Monarch  spoke.     The  Queen  her  doubts  suppressed, 
And  thus  responded  :  I  object  no  more 
To  thy  superior  will ;  nor  much  was  I 
Reluctant  to  receive  such  great  regard  ; 
But  dubious  of  thy  aim,  lest  thou  preferr'd'st 
Some  abler  mind,  the  awful  helm  to  guide 
Through  warring  doctrines  and  bewildering  schemes, 
And  ask'd  me  to  perceive  how  rash  and  vain 
Louisa  is.     Unalterably  resolv'd 
To  grace  thy  partner  with  the  high  command, 
Thou  gain'st  increase  of  reverence  in  this  breast. 
Grant,  heavenly  powers,  that  thou  from  war  return 
TTnwounded  and  triumphant,  while  thy  foes 
Kue  their  temerity,  and  vanquish'd  mourn! 

Thus  the  fair  Queen,  and  thus  the  King  rejoins  : 
Well  pleas'd,  Louisa,  thy  assent  I  hear — 
'Tis  Wisdom's  voice  ;  'twas  she  who  first  inspir'd 
Me  to  appoint  thee  to  that  sovereign  charge. 
Full  hast  thou  answer'd  her  correct  intent ; 
Act  always  thus,  and  Fortune  shall  attend 
With  gracious  smile,  and  light  thee  through  the  world, 
In  all  her  happiest  ways,  with  blessings  strew'd. 

Th'  assembled  Council  shall  our  will  approve 
Ere  many  suns  ;  when  from  thy  presence  lov'd 
I  take  departure,  and  resume  the  reins 
Of  furious  War,  and  him  triumphant  drive, 
Through  startled  realms,  to  Russia's  frightful  clime : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  403 

There,  soon,  I  doubt  not,  will  our  Eagles  soar, 
And  teach  the  foe  submission  to  our  laws. 

So  he.     Louisa  sat  in  pensive  mood, 
Viewing  her  lord,  distrustful  of  his  hopes, 
That  made  him  glory  in  the  days  to  come, 
For  great  events  the  future  yet  conceaPd. 
Alas  !  he  knew  not  then  Deceit's  career  ; 
ISTor  the  deep  complication  of  Intrigue, 
Whose  secret  current  undermin'd  his  power  ; 
Nor  saw  the  errors  of  his  Austrian  sire, 
The  gulf  beneath  the  flowery  nuptial  bed  ! 
To  chase  illusions  Europe's  lord  was  doom'd, 
And  build  large  expectations  on  the  ice 
Of  royal  friendship,  which  his  evil  day 
Thaw'd  into  streams  of  bayonets,  borne  by  foes, 
Pointing  athirst  to  pierce  him  as  he  fell. 

Few  days  had  passed,  since  in  high  Aries  flam'd 
The  solar  orb,  when  in  th'  Elysian  Dome, 
Surrounded  by  his  dignitaries  grand, 
And  ministers  of  State,  Napoleon  thus 
His  Empress  in  the  Regency  install'd  : 

Dispos'd  to  give  great  proof  of  my  regard 
To  our  good  Queen  and  Empress,  'tis  my  will 
That  she  be  Regent  made,  till  I  return 
From  distant  battle — that  her  voice  be  heard 
In  every  Cabinet  Council ;  that  she  grant 
What  pardons  may  seem  meet,  and  act  from  rules 
We  register,  with  your  concurrence,  else 
May  she  do  wrong,  and  incommode  our  reign. 
She  shall  not  statutes  of  the  state  propose. 
Cambeceres  will  letters  patent  form, 
Which,  register'd,  will  to  the  Senate  read, 
And  thus  accomplish  this  important  act. 

He  spoke  ;  the  deed  approv'd,  the  Queen  appears 
In  majesty  of  charms,  and  bright  attire. 
Beside,  Westphalia's  Queen,  and  fair  Hortense, 
With  all  their  gay  attendants,  graceful  stand. 
Daru  th'  immortal  volume  holds,  whereon 


4:04  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Louisa  to  her  God  makes  solemn  vow 

To  prove  devoted  to  her  lord,  well  act 

Her  part,  his  rules  and  ordinances  observe, 

And  th'  Empire's  constitution  strict  obey. 

Then  takes  a  seat  within  the  radiant  hall, 

Midst  the  fair  train,     Cambeceres  repeats 

The  law  ordaining  this  august  event ; 

The  Council  ratifies,  Daru  records. 

Th'  imperial  sovereigns  to  their  court  repair 

In  gorgeous  splendor,  mid  sweet  beauty's  train, 

"With  diamonds  brilliant,  and  all-conquering  charms. 

Th'  arch  chancellor  now  the  Senate  thus  address'd : 

Illustrious  props  of  an  illustrious  throne, 
As  soon  the  Emperor  leads  our  armies  forth 
To  distant  lands,  he  makes  his  royal  spouse, 
Louisa,  Regent,  till  victorious  war 
Shall  him  in  safety  to  our  arms  restore ; 
Or,  if  misfortune  disappoint  our  hopes, 
Till  Rome's  infantine  king  be  fit  to  reign. 
The  patent,  sanction'd  by  th'  imperial  hand, 
Is  register'd ;  henceforth  the  Queen  presides 
In  every  Cabinet  Council  of  the  realm. 
This  is  his  patent ;  note  the  power  it  gives  : 

Perceiving  soon  we  head  our  hosts  of  war, 
And  willing  to  evince  due  confidence 
In  our  good  Queen  and  Empress,  we  invest 
Her  with  the  Regency  of  our  domain — 
To  aid  in  all  our  Councils  where  conven'd, 
And  act,  as  orders  on  our  Records  say, 
First  notice  to  our  dignitaries  given ; 
Nor  may  she  deviate  from  rules  ordain'd. 
She  may  grant  pardons  ;  but  must  not  propound 
The  ordinances  or  statutes  of  our  realm. 
Thus  hath  decreed  the  Emperor  and  the  King. 

He  ended,  and  retir'd.     Deceit,  the  while, 
Employs  th'  event  to  advance  her  dark  design, 
Late  meditated,  and  Intrigue  bespeaks : 
'  Tis  ours  to  wait,  till  circumstances  call 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  405 

Us  into  action  :  .Now  th'  imperial  Chief 

Informs  the  Senate  of  his  spouse  install'd 

As  Regent,  while  he  guides  the  storm  of  war. 

The  opportunity  t'  increase  his  faith 

In  their  devotedness  should  be  improved : 

Let  them  declare  it  a  consoling  deed, 

And  breathe  high  tone  of  loyalty  ;  their  voice 

Will  lull  the  Argus ;  and  what  darker  cloud 

Can  hide  our  progress  from  his  watchful  eyes, 

Than  flattery  cloth'd  in  friendship  ?  veiled  by  which 

We  may  hurl  ruin  at  his  boasted  throne. 

He  has  become  so  kingly  that  he  takes 

The  sycophant's  to  be  the  patriot's  voice  ; 

And,  like  the  vulgar  rabble,  sees  no  truth 

In  aught  that  on  his  prejudices  bears  ; 

Hence,  to  deceive  him  is  an  easy  task. 

In  sovereign  people,  as  in  sovereign  kings, 

It  is  inherent  not  to  be  convinc'd 

Against  their  will :  Their  sovereignty  were  nought, 

Were  there  superior  sovereignty  in  Truth 

Though  at  God's  throne  she  sits,  and  reverence  claims 

Of  angels,  states,  and  men !     Poor  self-deceived ! 

Folly  and  knavery  equal  troubles  bring. 

Thus  spoke  Deceit ;  and  thus  Intrigue  replies  : 
Our  arts  may  presently  with  fate  conspire, 
To  hurl  the  Emperor  from  his  envied  height. 
For  now  his  star,  with  melancholy  air, 
Looks  dim  through  gathering  mist,  portending  storm. 
The  means  propos'd  to  hide  our  hostile  plans, 
My  approbation  meet ;  be  they  employ'd ; 
I  forthwith  will  commend  them  to  our  train  ; 
And  soon  the  mighty  monarch  shall  repose 
On  quiet  prospect,  and  delusive  calm, 
Such  as  earth  knows  before  she  crumbling  quakes, 
Ingulfing  cities  and  upheaving  isles. 

But  on  yourself  oh  practice  not  your  skill : 
Above  the  Emperor  I  discern  the  man. 
Although  his  glory's  blaze  the  heart  o'erpowers 


406  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEST. 

And  captive  leads,  in  him  no  despot  lives : 

No  real  greatness  can  a  tyrant  serve  ; 

The  worthless  sycophant  alone  can  please ; 

But  men  Napoleon  aid,  whose  brilliant  names, 

E'en  Truth,  with  pleasure,  from  her  Heaven  would  hear  ; 

Their  lofty  genius  downward  looks  on  thrones  : 

They,  in  his  Council,  oft  her  voice  resound, 

Who  praises  without  reason  moves  him  not. 

No  vulgar  sovereign  he  !     Though  fraught  with  seeds 

Of  error,  like  all  men  of  woman  born, 

His  faults  will,  as  his  character,  be  grand  ; 

And  should  he  fall,  e'en  Liberty  would  mourn  : 

Contempt  could  never  point  towards  his  tomb  ; 

Greatness  would  o'er  it  cast  an  awful  shade. 

Still  our  vocation  is  to  undermine  ; 

And  though  he  were  angelically  pure, 

Our  policy  would  not  the  less  demand, 

That  he  from  his  imperial  height  be  hurl'd. 

So  they,  then  urge  th'  inimical  join 
In  flattering  approbation  of  the  deed  ; 
Who  thus  collectively  address  the  king  : 

With  heartfelt  satisfaction  we  behold 
Thy  majesty  restoring  for  thyself 
Thy  gracious  spouse,  which  will  repay  our  loss 
For  thy  approaching  absence ;  for  like  Sol 
Our  Emperor  seems :  when  present,  all  things  smile, 
When  absent,  all  is  drear — an  aching  void 
Disturbs  the  breast.     May  victory  early  dawn 
Upon  thy  banners,  and  thy  road  illume  ! 
Depend  on  our  attention  to  thy  wants, 
Our  loyalty,  and  friendship  ;  these  we  boast 
As  greatest  virtues  in  thy  glorious  reign. 

This  they  present :     Napoleon  sees,  well  pleas'd, 
The  legislature  seemingly  dispos'd 
To  labor  in  accordance  with  his  aims, 
And  thus  in  loud  soliloquy  proceeds  : 

So  far  my  prospects  brighten,  all  my  will 
Has  been  perform'd,  since  from  that  wreck  escap'd ; 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  407 

Prodigious  wreck  !  that  makes  whole  nations  mourn. 

Ah  !  such  my  destiny  hard  ;  I  strove  in  vain 

Gainst  winter's  all-subduing  arms,  cold  blasts, 

And  frosty  oceans  ;  but  methinks  this  grief 

Shall  soon  by  stronger  passions  be  devoured, 

The  cloud  of  wo  dispers'd  by  glory's  beams, 

And  trouble's  night  dispell'd  by  victory's  morn. 

E'en  now,  the  Russians,  pausing  to  survey 

What  fearful  length  of  land  behind  them  spreads, 

Deem  ruin  lies  before.     They  dread  the  time 

Napoleon  shall  approach  with  his  brave  host ; 

Not  without  cause  ;  four  hundred  thousand  march 

Them  to  repel.     E"or  is  the  hour  remote, 

When  thundering  on  the  rear,  the  French  shall  hurl, 

Their  Cossack  trumpery  over  Niemen's  waves, 

With  Prussia's  wavering  king ;  and  Bernadotte, 

Malignant,  shall  lament  th'  unlucky  day 

He  sallied  forth,  in  Sweden's  strength,  to  wage 

A  war  his  country's  interests  scarce  require, 

Impell'd  by  policy,  or  Britain's  gold. 

Oh,  that  the  elements  one  hour  were  mine, 

That  war-exciting  isle  dire  blasts  should  rend 

From  its  old  anchorage.     Folly  should  be  scarce, 

That  knaves  and  tyrants  might  have  scanty  range  ! 

The  earth  that  hour  would  note  th'  imperfect  sway  ; 

Ah  !  whither  man  does  headlong  passion  lead  ? 

Poor  fluctuating  wave  on  time's  broad  sea, 

Thrown  high  by  Fortune's  gale — Earth's  tender  plant 

Expos'd  to  nipping  frost,  and  violent  winds, 

And  rear'd  by  thee,  alone,  all-powerful  sun  ! 

Severely  taught  to  prize  thy  gladdening  beams, 

When  late  I  rov'd  beyond  thy  vital  gaze, 

Forgetful  of  my  weakness  and  thy  power, 

When  shall  I  cease  t'  admire  thy  great  control ! 

Thou  guid'st  the  fiery  comet's  swift  career, 

And  wheel'st  the  ponderous  planets  round  thy  orb, 

Rejoicing  in  thy  smiles,  and  yielding  gems, 

Fruit,  flowers,  organic  forms,  and  man  divine. 


408  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Without  thy  golden  flood  'twere  stillness  all, 

And  death's  deep,  cold  repose  ;  no  gale  would  breathe, 

"No  music  rise,  nor  ocean  heave  his  waves — 

To  rocky  ice  transform 'd — nor  sound  invade 

The  dreary  world  forlorn.     Whether  thy  flame 

Incessant,  springs  of  matter  recompos'd 

As  fire  consumes,  or  nature's  God  supplies 

In  ways  unknown,  thro'  ages  lo'ng  thy  beams 

Have  earth  illum'd.     Thou  saw'st  when  mast-fed  man 

In  savage  wildness  rov'd  ;  the  earth  immers'd 

In  water,  and  one  ocean  grasp  the  globe, 

Upbearing  on  its  bosom  the  lone  ark  ; 

Thou  saw'st  the  flood  recede,  and  sickly  earth 

Send  exhalations  from  her  slimy  waste, 

While  constant  thunder  rent  the  clouded  air. 

Thou  saw'st  prime  Adam  rove  in  Eden's  bowers — 

Sable  Sesostris  drawn  by  sceptred  man — 

Egypt's  gigantic  pyramids  ascend — 

Her  Thebes  increase  and  wane — th'  Assyrian  power 

Begin  and  end — the  Macedonian  king 

Lead  Greece  and  conquest  o'er  the  Persian  world ; 

Judea's  hapless  doom,  and  Romulus  lay 

The  firm  foundation  of  wide-conquering  Rome, 

Still  bright  thou  mov'st  in  thy  eternal  race 

And  undecay'd — O  might  my  course,  like  thine, 

Uninterrupted  by  the  storms  of  life, 

Progress  in  calmness  to  the  world  unknown  ! 

Thus  he  ;  meantime  Intrigue  augments  her  gloom, 
And  bland  Deceit  her  gay  delusions  weaves — 
Th'  auspicious  moment  come,  to  Gallois  thus 
Begin  the  twain  :  'Tis  time,  illustrious  squire, 
To  move  against  your  king  what  we  advis'd. 
Then  Gallois,  grave  and  mild  as  cloudless  morn, 
Rising  at  the  tribune,  thus  loud  began  : 

When  we  forget,  O  peers  !  the  warning  voice 
Of  sad  experience  evil  times  are  near. 
The  nation  totters  on  destruction's  brink, 
That,  deaf  to  reason,  bids  the  world  be  foes. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  409 

Sun  of  the  past,  why  should  we  slight  thy  beams, 

Whose  sober  radiance  shows  where  safety  lies  ! 

Our  bones  are  whitening  Moscovy  and  Spain — 

Ruin  still  rings  a  hideous  peal,  and  frights 

The  savage  north  with  joy  for  Frenchmen  dead, 

While  we  aid  martial  projects,  nor  observe 

How  pale 's  our  country — so  much  life-blood  flown  ! 

While  we  vain  boast  her  prowess,  lo  !  she  weeps — 

Nor  notes  the  eagled  banners  floating  o'er  : 

Her  thoughts  are  on  her  sons,  who  sleep  in  death. 

Methinks,  I  see  her  streaming  eyes  uprais'd 

On  savage  Mars,  beseeching  to  retain 

The  remnant  of  her  children  from  the  sword  : 

He  points  to  glory  ;  but  she  turns  her  face 

From  that  enticing  power,  and  hugs  her  sons  : 

"  Ah,  leave  me  these  substantial  joys  !"  she  cries, 

"  I've  won  the  praise  of  man,  and  found  it  vain ; 

Tell  those  who  ne'er  the  glowing  phantom  grasp'd, 

To  chase  through  seas  of  blood  an  empty  name. 

By  hard  experience  sober'd,  'tis  too  late 

T'  impose  on  me  as  substance  what  is  shade. 

Or  to  induce  me  willingly  to  risk 

My  independence  for  a  bubble  burst." 

Yet  I  would  not  insinuate  that  our  force 
Is  insufficient  to  oppose  the  foe, 
Beneath  the  Emperor's  care  ;  to  whom  I  trust 
My  country's  fame  and  safety  ;  as  his  fate 
Is  hers,  is  mine,  and  theirs,  who  wish  her  well ; 
But  something  whispers,  with  portentous  voice : 
On  Russia  look,  and  learn  your  future  doom, 
If  war,  ill-tim'd,  and  wide,  succeed  defeat, 
And  final  ruin  of  your  veteran  host ; 
For  hard  and  doubtful  will  the  contest  be  : 
The  new-born  armies  cannot  cope  with  men 
In  battle  practis'd,  and  with  victory  flush'd, 
Who  scarce  were  vanquish'd  by  our  myrtl'd  bands, 
That  now,  in  death's  cold  fetters,  slumber  pale, 
To  be,  alas  !  our  shield  and  pride  no  more. 


410  POEMS    OF    THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

If  wasteful  overthrow  again  we  meet, 
What  shall  deter  rebellion  of  the  states 
To  us  subjected,  whose  vast  numbers,  join'd 
With  Russia's,  will  present  no  feeble  front : 
Our  capital  will  then  know  danger,  and  the  soil 
Of  France,  long  sacred,  must  be  trod  by  foes  ; 
Her  fate  be  measur'd  by  unfriendly  hands  ; 
E'en  her  long  train  of  martial  triumphs  fade, 
And  all  her  boasted  greatness  find  a  grave. 

I  then  dissuade  from  war  till  France  revive, 
Her  troops  be  disciplin'd,  and  memory  lose 
Half  the  impression  of  this  sad  campaign  ; 
Till  those  who  hope  relief  from  our  distress 
Become  more  subject,  and  bereft  of  means 
To  move  rebellion  to  our  lofty  rule. 

Thus  he  ;  Flaugergues,  then,  thus  soon  began  : 
Assembled  freemen,  delegates  of  those 
Who  fain  would  glide  along  the  stream  of  time 
In  peaceful  industry,  nor  rush  to  war, 
Remember  your  great  charge  :  Our  country's  good, 
And  not  the  pleasure  of  its  restless  king  ; 
To  whom  great  praise  is  due  ;  but  he  is  man, 
A  darkling  mortal,  liable  to  err, 
And  much  requires  our  counsel ;  for  one  mind 
May  yet  gain  light  from  our  collected  rays. 

If  we  consult  our  duty,  shall  we  join 
With  him  in  bloody  purpose,  ere  'tis  known 
That  Russia  would  reject  a  proffer 'd  peace, 
And  spurn  our  suit  ?     Can  it  be  wise,  to  plunge 
In  war's  red  torrent,  midst  its  whirlpools  dire, 
While  yet  emaciated,  wasted,  tir'd, 
From  the  late  bold,  disastrous  enterprize  ? 
Shall  we  be  able  to  resist  the  tide, 
Or  must  France  sink  in  the  relentless  waves  ? 
Who  sees  not,  that  but  small  reverse,  in  this 
Wide  renovated  war,  will  end  our  reign 
O'er  the  Helvetian  land,  if  not  our  own  ; 
For  is  it  true,  our  influence  is  desired 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  411 

By  most  of  Germany,  or  Prussia's  king  ? 

Who  can  not  see  in  what  De  York  has  done 

Portentous  prelude  to  what  would  ensue 

Of  his  unfriendly  monarch,  if  we  fail  ? 

A  wide  rebellion  would  in  one  short  month 

Devour  what  years  of  warlike  toil  have  gain'd  ; 

For  one's  revolt  will  soon  extend  to  all. 

Then  vain  will  prove  our  courage  ;  then  will  France 

Meet  the  black  doom  she  gave  to  other  lands. 

Heart  rending  era  !     May  this  breast  no  more 

Sigh  for  my  country's  good,  nor  dread  its  woes 

In  that  sad  day,  fix'd  in  the  peaceful  tomb  ! 

But  if  we  prove  successful,  and  pursue 
Russia's  thick  myriads  over  Piemen's  shores, 
What  benefit  will  Frenchmen  thence  derive  ? 
We  sure  shall  from  invasion  seem  exempt, 
Nor  more  than  now,  if  we  solicit  peace  ; 
But  will  mankind  rejoice  ?     Will  coming  days 
Find  us  more  happy  ?     Judging  from  the  past 
Our  woes  must  be  increas'd  ;  an  empty  name, 
And  glory  false  be  shared  for  solid  bliss. 
Have  all  these  bloody  years  not  yet  inform'd 
The  votaries  of  unbounded  monarchy, 
Whose  joyless  grandeur  much  too  slightly  gilds 
The  sacrifice  of  our  best  comforts,  that  their  schemes 
Are  vain  and  ruinous,  covering  France  with  wo, 
Poor  orphans,  widows,  unsupported  sires, 
And  torturing  human  sense  with  tragic  tales, 
Which  will  descend  to  future  times,  while  tears, 
Wonder,  and  incredulity  attend  ! 

Why  seek  we  farther  misery  ?     Why  draw  down 
Reluctant  vengeance  from  observing  Heaven  ? 
Should  we  not  timely  take  the  happier  course  : 
With  patriot  ardor  go  where  Wisdom  points  ? 
Nor  while  we  fond  admire  our  Chief,  his  deeds, 
And  hazardous  campaigns,  forget  ourselves, 
With  our  constituents,  and  progeny  ! 
But  feel,  as  should  the  guardians  of  a  state. 


412  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  do  our  duty,  let  what  will  befall. 

Present  our  sovereign,  therefore,  this  address, 
(Intended  for  his  benefit  and  ours,) 
And  may  Heaven  grant  that  it  successful  prove. 

Illustrious  Sire,  thy  presence  glads  thy  France 
And  gives  assurance  that  her  recent  wounds, 
By  ruinous  war  inflicted,  will  be  heal'd 
In  the  mild  rays  of  industry  and  peace  ; 
Main  source  of  national  happiness  !     Those  best 
Their  prowess  prove  who  longest  peace  enjoy. 
Dread  war  should  slaughter  only  for  our  good, 
And  for  that  object,  kings  are  arm'd  with  power. 
Abjure  the  aim  of  universal  sway : 
Thus  show  the  world  they  need  not  be  our  foes ; 
And  France,  your  wish  for  peace  :   She  straight  will  aid. 
'  Twas  thus  the  greater  Louis  nerv'd  her  arm  : 
Exertion  its  incentive  will  pursue. 
We  trust  thou  wilt  concede  'twere  wise  in  France 
(Her  veteran  armies  in  a  distant  grave) 
To  join  with  Russia's  king  in  leagues  of  peace, 
That  by  her  natural  growth,  she  may  regain 
The  strength  exhausted  in  the  freezing  clime. 
A  sudden  strain  with  our  diminish'd  means 
Might  much  the  vigor  of  that  state  impair, 
Endangering  interests  near  for  things  remote. 
Ere  luxury,  convenience  claims  our  care, 
And  stern  necessity :  Who  waste  their  strength 
For  grandeur  should  be  certain  ne'er  to  need 
Due  energy  their  being  to  maintain. 

He  ended ;  Serrurier  more  loyal  spoke  : 
Have  we  lost  all  respect  for  our  great  King, 
That  this  insulting  language  is  propos'd 
To  wound  his  breast,  already  pain'd  with  loss, 
To  be  retriev'd  with  what  you  would  withhold  ? 
When,  late,  expecting  you  were  always  brave, 
As  well  when  Fortune  frown'd,  as  when  she  smil'd, 
He  gave  full  history  of  his  sad  campaign, 
Explain'd  his  need  of  means,  and  hop'd  to  hurl 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  413 

Russia's  vast  host  into  their  frightful  clime, 
What  bosom  beat  not  to  partake  the  field, 
Or  silent  prais'd  what  this  address  condemns  ? 
Perhaps  his  frankness  you  mistook  for  fear. 
Yourselves  deceive  not ;  for  a  different  course 
Had  fear  prescrib'd,  to  story  undisguis'd 
Of  evil  trials,  burden'd  with  distress  ; 
'  Twas  confidence  in  patriotic  pride 
And  loyalty,  that  urg'd  him  to  relate 
What  policy  advis'd  him  to  conceal. 
Will  ye,  ingrate,  that  confidence  abuse, 
Determin'd  to  appear  much  less  than  priz'd  ? 
Let  not  such  sentiments  go  forth  to  fame  ; 
In  night  conceal,  dark  as  your  course  is  wrong. 

I  scarce  need  mention  the  unhappy  end 
To  which  this  error  leads ;  if  it  prevail 
Concessions  odious  must  be  made  to  foes 
Oft  conquer'd,  and  now  smarting  with  defeat ; 
For  '  twas  the  rage  of  Winter,  Jove's  high  hand, 
Full  fraught  with  icy  spears,  and  stormy  winds, 
That  vanquish'd  Frenchmen  in  the  Russian  clime, 
And  not  Smolensko's  champions,  nor  the  host, 
Which  bleeding  fled  from  Borodino's  field. 
France  will  be  plac'd  in  so  uncouth  a  plight, 
That  all  her  conquests  must  immediate  fly 
Far  from  her  grasp,  like  lov'd  Eurydice 
From  her  fond  Orpheus,  never  to  return. 
What  shall  console  her  then  for  treasure  lost, 
For  thousands  buried  in  the  waste  of  war  ? 
Must  she  remain  content  in  such  disgrace, 
Like  a  frail  drunkard,  wTho  in  other  times 
Was  bent  on  high  achievement,  and  renown  ; 
But  now  is  indigent  in  vile  repose  ? 
How  chang'd !     O  heavens !  how  alter'd  will  she  be 
From  that  proud  boasting  France  of  boundless  fame, 
Of  matchless  wealth,  who  conquer'd  conjunct  realms, 
Held  kings  in  bondage,  set  the  captive  free, 
Triumph'd  o'er  superstition,  and  controll'd 


POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIE".   * 

Full  half  mankind  by  policy  and  power. 

Thus  he,  without  success.     Th'  address  resolv'd, 
Anon  is  in  th'  imperial  presence  read  : 
The  ill  design  perceiv'd,  impetuous  rage 
The  Emperor  rous'd ;  he  sought  his  council  soon, 
And  thus  harangued  :  The  enemy  hovering  near 
Our  borders,  lo !  the  Legislative  Hall 
Resounds  with  invitation  to  his  arms  ! 
Instead  of  brazen  front,  our  wounds  are  shown ! 
Blind  Declamation  toils  to  damp  our  hopes — 
Some  bawl  for  peace,  as  if  it  were  obtain'd 
By  winning  the  compassion  of  the  foe ! 
This  expedites  the  Empire's  evil  day. 
In  us  'twere  folly  to  let  Folly  urge 
Our  ruin  :  Be  that  body  then  dissolv'd, 
Till  new  elections  wiser  members  give. 
The  major  number,  ere  thrice  rolls  the  world, 
Would  be  excluded  by  existing  laws  ; 
So,  constitutionally  be  they  depriv'd 
Of  their  collective  power  to  injure  France. 
This  should  be  done,  though  Murder  on  me  frown'd  ; 
Though  Paris  on  our  palace  pour'd  in  crowd 
Infuriate,  thirsting  for  imperial  gore. 
Know,  if  I  rule,  I  rule.     Hope  not  to  find 
In  me  the  last  Bourbon,  nor  daily  change. 
•The  citizen  in  the  Emperor  is  not  lost : 
Should  Anarchy  resume  her  ancient  sway, 
I  would  resign  the  crown  to  share  the  reign. 
I  am  not  here  a  weathercock  for  knaves 
To  wheel  as  oft  as  they  deceive  the  weak. 
The  throne  shall  never  tempt  me  to  succumb. 
If  any  feel  the  meanness  to  be  brib'd, 
By  his  own  rule  'twere  vain  to  measure  me ; 
I  stoop  not  for  earth's  glories,  nor  will  wear, 
Except  with  honor,  either  head  or  crown. 

I  took  the  helm,  because  I  deem'd  the  law, 
Whereby  I  was  to  govern,  gave  me  power 
To  shield  the  Empire  ;  if  I  have  mistook 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  415 

The  law's  sufficiency  for  that  great  end, 
Am  I  not  in  th'  absurdity  involved 
Of  being  tied,  yet  answerable  for  speed  ? 
1  ne'er  engag'd  to  work  with  tools  obtuse, 
Walk  without  legs,  or  without  pinions  fly ! 

He  ended,  and  the  councillors  surpris'd 
Hear  his  decree.     He  shuts  the  people's  dome  ; 
With  arra'd  men  guards  its  doors,  before  him  calls 
The  wondering  deputies,  and  thus  upbraids  : 

Does  this  address  our  circumstances  suit  ? 
Were  these  ideas  of  reflection  born  ? 
Is  this  the  time,  and  yours  the  hand,  to  raise 
Obstructions  in  the  path  of  our  success  ? 
To  spread  disheartening  clamor  through  the  land  2 
To  strip  our  armor  off  to  show  our  wounds  ? 
Think  ye  to  urge  me  to  inglorious  peace 
By  such  vile  means  ?     Sooner  the  Alps  shall  bow 
Their  heads  from  heaven  at  feeble  man's  request. 
What  means  this  conduct  ?     From  what  evil  cause 
Can  it  have  source,  but  hate  of  France  and  me  ! 
While  grows  the  cloud  of  war  on  every  side, 
Threatening  to  end  us,  will  ye  idly  wait 
Its  dire  explosion,  and  your  country's  fall, 
In  the  vain  hope  that  prayers  will  peace  procure  ? 
A  well  meant  speech  by  inconsiderate  tongues 
May  much  embarrass  a  beleaguer'd  state  : 
When  energetic  means  ye  should  provide 
Of  working  our  salvation,  you  construct 
A  pitiful  address !  so  weak !  so  blind ! 
Penn'd  by  your  enemy,  though  your  voice  appro v'd  ! 
In  secret  should  we  wash  our  fouler  stains, 
JNot  in  the  presence  of  the  public  eye. 
Dare,  dare  to  publish,  what  you  now  present — 
A  comment  of  our  own  shall  on  it  wait. 
Think  ye  with  safety  to  pervert  your  powers  ? 
France  needs  me  more,  far  more,  than  I  need  her. 
Which,  which  of  you,  my  burden  could  sustain, 
Or  e'en  well  comprehend  its  magnitude  ? 


416  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

As  when  a  child  looks  out  from  ocean's  shore, 
Communing  with  his  vastness,  and  enjoys 
Sublime  emotions,  till  his  heart  o'erflows, 
And  tears  of  grandeur  fall ;  the  cause  enquired, 
"  I  cannot  help  it,"  breathes  the  gentle  youth ; 
So  alive  to  nature  that  her  beauty  wounds  ; 
Far  as  the  cause  of  his  sweet  tears  abides 
Beyond  the  range  of  vulgar  minds,  so  far 
The  secret  causes  and  ulterior  views 
That  rule  my  ways  are  hid  from  common  souls  : 
The  nurse  mistakes  for  the  petulance,  or  grief, 
The  lofty  motions  of  the  noble  mind  ; 
So,  some  mistake,  for  lust  of  boundless  sway, 
The  love  of  needful  power  to  bless  mankind. 
Shall  grovelling  turtles  judge  the  eagle's  flight  ? 
Can  Dulness  mount  on  Genius'  sun-like  car, 
And  guide  the  fiery  team  unscorch'd  ?     Think  not 
To  bend  Ulysses'  bow  so  small  a  task. 
Of  Semele  and  Phaeton's  fate  beware. 

Your  aid  I  need  no  longer;  hence  depart, 
Each  to  his  home  ;  what  good  you  can,  perform — 
My  eye  shall  trace  your  steps,  and  scan  your  deeds — 
Let  me  not  see  what  patriots  most  detest. 

The  Chief  austere  thus  stern  dismission  gave 
Of  his  high  parliament.     Deceit  beheld, 
Astonish'd,  and  with  disappointment  stung, 
Exclaiming  :  Guardian  Deity  !  O  !  where 
Shall  Gaul's  dread  Emperor  end  his  great  career  ! 
To  what  glad  era  is  Iris  death  assigned  ? 
Since  time  will,  doubtless,  quench  his  mortal  part. 
He  spurns  the  gather'd  wisdom  of  his  realm ; 
ISTor  brooks  complaint,  nor  e'en  petition  mild. 
Alas !  my  schemes  are  frustrate.     Myriads  arm'd 
Await  his  summons ;  a  tremendous  storm 
Is  gathering  fast,  whose  all-involving  gloom 
Will  shroud  all  thrones  with  mourning,  and  dispense 
The  bitterest  maledictions  o'er  the  world. 
Grim  Mars  will  glory  midst  his  fiery  floods 


THE    NAPOLEAD. 

And  wastes  of  carnage ;  Death,  pale  king,  will  move 
In  horrid  state  o'er  his  increas'd  domain, 
Inflaming  Discord  hurrying  wild  before. 
Famine's  distorted  countenance  lank  shall  yawn 
And  dismal  wail,  where  now  fair  plenty  smiles  ; 
For  such  seems  Heaven's  decree.     Such  woes  attend 
The  Gallic  King,  while  o'er  proud  states  he  towers. 
In  vain  I  prophesied,  and  oped  the  cloud 
Of  future  time  to  my  fond  votaries  : 
Ah !  they  will  realize  delusion  strange, 
And  feel  disgusted  of  my  artful  lures ! 

Thus  she  ;  Intrigue,  beside  her,  straight  begins 
With  healing  words :     And  dost  thou  then  despair 
August  compeer  ?    How  needless  to  lament 
The  ill  success  of  one  endeavor  !  soon 
Time  opportune  will  come,  to  strike  again ; 
For  in  no  middle  way  Napoleon  keeps — 
Intoxicating  fortune  him  attends  } 

Or  ruinous  overthrow — and  in  either  state 
Our  movements  often,  will  successful  prove  ; 
Then  wait  the  lucky  hour  ;  meantime  extend 
Our  empire  o'er  his  confidants,  and  form 
Plans  of  campaigns  more  fit  for  secret  war, 
That  him,  with  better  means,  we  next  assail. 

The  cause  of  thy  despair  gives  hope'  to  me  : 
It  from  that  madness  comes,  which  Heaven  bestows 
On  men  to  ruin  doom'd.     Opinion  frowns  : 
He  falls  who  wars  with  those  that  rule  the  mind  : 
Their  reign,  scarce  seen  in  power  and  glory's  day, 
Will,  in  his  night  of  trouble,  blasting,  shine. 
Rome's  reverend  Pontiff  strews  his  path  with  thorns, 
And  from  his  aid  the  prayers  of  millions  holds. 
Observe  how  JSfecker's  daughter  shakes  his  power  ; 
Her  bright  ideas  dart  through  many  a  realm, 
Uncheck'd  by  mountains,  fortresses,  and  arms. 
But  he,  above  all  others,  aids  our  views ; 
'Tis  no  hard  task,  on  fortune's  dizzy  height, 
T'  employ  in  its  own  death  the  greatest  power : 
27 


418  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

One  step  made  friendly  Spain  his  bitterest  foe,     . 

And  a  vast  grave-yard  for  the  sons  of  Gaul. 

He  quits  the  people  to  consort  with  kings, 

Forgetful  of  the  basis  of  his  throne : 

The  tree  whose  roots  decay  must  cease  to  thrive, 

Though  on  a  rock  its  lofty  head  may  lean. 

Are  men  no  longer  mov'd  by  hope  and  fear  \ 

May  faithful  servants  look  for  sure  reward 

From  him  who  could  dismiss  kind  Josephine  ? 

The  meek  and  high  exemplar  of  her  kind ; 

Who  by  the  Graces  and  by  Wisdom  blest, 

Gave  dignity  to  earth's  superior  throne ; 

Attemper'd  lion  hearts  with  heavenly  fires. 

Gave  loftiness  to  fierceness,  and  adorn'd 

The  brows  of  Yalor  with  soft  Pity's  wreaths  ? 

Although  he  sacrific'd  his  heart  to  save 

France  from  the  woes  of  a  disputed  throne, 

With  firmness  as  heroic  as  he  fac'd 

Her  powerful  foes  in  many  a  bloody  field, 

The  public  interest  seem'd  so  much  his  own, 

The  world  suspect  his  willingness  to  crush 

His  dearest  friends,  to  aid  his  private  aims  : 

Who  for  his  country  offered  e'en  his  life 

So  oft,  in  fearful  conflict,  could  not  yield 

A  spouse  its  future  safety  to  secure ! 

Th'  unjust  suspicion  seconds  our  designs : 

~No  man  can  long  be  powerful  who  o'erlooks 

His  storm-tried  friends  for  those  of  pleasant  days, 

The  man's  admirers  for  the  thrones ;  for  these, 

When  danger's  darkness  lowers,  will  leave  him  lorn. 

When  fear  the  Austrians  and  the  Bourbons  gives, 

To  draw  the  sword  against  his  tottering  power, 

Supported  by  th'  offended  world  in  arms, 

Then,  then,  the  Gallic  people  will,  unmov'd, 

Hear  his  loud  summons  to  the  tented  field. 

Are  not  the  seeds  of  his  destruction  sown  ? 

So  they,  high  towering,  wrapt  in  sombre  clouds, 
Which  hid  their  courses  from  terrestrial  sight, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  419 

And  then  dissolv'd  communion  :  this  departs 
To  her  blue  mansion  o'er  heaven's  rolling  cliffs ; 
That  seeks  her  gloomy  cell  beneath  the  sea ; 
Swift  as  the  lightning's  glance  along  the  waves 
She  darts  and  plunges  in  the  dark  profound ; 
A  watery  arch  sustains  the  flood  above, 
And  on  each  side  a  blue  wall  stands,  as  when 
The  rod  of  Moses  aw'd  th'  Arabian  deep 
To  bare  his  bosom  to  the  blest  of  Heaven. 
Through  such  miraculous  avenue  flies  the  Queen, 
The  waves  behind  her  close  with  stormy  roar. 
At  her  lone  cave  arriv'd,  to  magic  sounds 
Its  marble  gate  unfolds ;  she  enters  there — 
The  rocky  barrier  quick  behind  her  swings, 
Reclosing  with  loud  thunder — the  dread  sound, 
Hoarse  rumbling,  shook  old  ocean's  green  abode ; 
There  on  her  murky  throne  reclines  and  hears 
The  troubled  march  of  waters,  murmuring 
Till  balmy  slumber  o'er  her  senses  steals. 


BOOK    IX. 


ANALYSIS. 

Mars,  observing  the  hostile  attitude  of  the  nations,  rejoices,  and  is  up 
braided  by  Valor.  While  Lauriston  attacks  Listenau,  Wittgenstein  endeav 
ors  to  surprise  the  French  at  Lutzen.  Blucher  and  D'York  attack  their 
centre;  but  Napoleon  brings  up  his  wings  before  it  can  be  penetrated, 
which,  closing  on  the  Allies,  compel  them  to  retreat.  They  take  a  strong 
position  at  Wurtcher  having  another  fortified  position  in  their  rear.  The 
question  considered,  whether,  for  peace,  Napoleon  should  relinquish  all  be 
yond  the  Alps,  Pyrenees  and  Rhine.  He  drives  the  Allies  from  their  posi 
tion.  The  first  day's  battle  of  Bautzen. 

THE  nations  gathering  on  the  verge  of  fight, 
Mars,  furious  power,  rejoices  at  the  scene : 
Thrice  fifty  days  were  gone  since  Wilna  saw 
His  favorite  fly  the  Russian  clime ;  since  then 
As  o'er  the  troubled  states  he  cast  his  eyes, 
He  oft  had  seen  hope  light  the  face  of  kings ; 
E'en  Austria's  hand  upon  her  sword,  as  sure 
Illyria,  the  Tyrol,  and  Trieste,  with  half 
Of  Italy,  and  influence  high  as  erst 
In  Germany,  were  now  within  her  grasp  ; 
Behold  the  husband  of  her  Emperor's  child, 
With  kind  concern,  and  eye  the  land  of  Elb 
O'erspread  with  armies  and  tri-color'd  plumes ; 
Then  drop  her  sword  and  wait  the  voice  of  time. 
He  too  had  seen  twice  twenty  thousand  Swedes, 
With  Bernadotte,  o'ercross  the  Baltic  sea, 
To  war  against  Napoleon  ;  Prussia  arm 
For  independence,  and  receive  with  joy 
The  Eussian  forces,  that  in  haste  advanc'd 
To  rouse  the  nations  to  resist  the  French  ; 
Whose  fortresses  they  boldly  left  behind, 
Mask'd;  and  from  Hamburg  to  Thuringia  spread : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  421 

Here  Czernicheff,  there  Tettenborn,  Wenzengerode, 

With  flying  corps,  precede  the  army  main, 

And  wide  make  known  the  Gallic  power's  decline : 

Murat,  disgusted,  from  the  war  retire : 

Kutusoff  fall  a  victim  to  diease ; 

Davoust  burn  Dresden's  bridge  and  northward  fly ; 

Eugene  to  Magdeburg  withdraw  his  powers 

From  Mockern's  bloody  field ;  Morand,  o'erthrown 

At  Lunneberg,  before  the  Cossack  sword ; 

E'en  Denmark  falter  in  her  faith  to  Gaul, 

Her  Norway's  transfer  to  the  Swede  unknown  ; 

And  Germany  and  Naples  disinclin'd 

To  aid  his  arms ;  and  Spain,  with  growing  might, 

Threat'ning  on  France  invasion's  tide  to  roll. 

In  Fame's  bright  dome,  the  homicidal  power, 
Midst  flaming  deities  and  dazzling  arms, 
Yiews  ruin's  lures,  contriv'd  by  error's  slaves  : 
He  Vice  and  Virtue  in  his  service  sees : 
Arch  Policy  th'  incongruous  couple  wed, 
And  to  a  common  name  their  views  confin'd. 
High  mid  th'  imposing  scene  the  lord  of  war 
Towers  in  Olympian  grandeur ;  on  his  face 
Beams  empire,  and  defiance,  mix'd  with  joy, 
While  thus,  in  thunder  rivaling  heaven's,  he  speaks : 

Let  princes,  kings,  dominions  in  my  train, 
Rouse  all  their  warriors,  ride  the  battle's  storm 
In  panoply :  lest,  in  the  shock  of  states, 
Their  glory  wither,  and  their  power  decay. 
Such  destiny  attends  who  at  my  shrine 
Give  offerings  mean,  when  force  gigantic  toils 
To  fix  the  doom  of  nations :  And  behold  ! 
Yast  continents,  and  she  who  rules  the  waves 
To  my  decision,  leave  imperious  claims, 
And  darken  ample  realms  with  legions  arm'd, 

Be  glad,  companions,  and  with  me  enjoy 
This  hard  contested  trial ;  wade  elate 
In  reeking  crimson  waves,  disport  with  ghosts 
Fresh  from  the  trembling  corpses,  and  hear  moans 


422  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Of  dying  mortals,  Discord's  horrid  yell, 

Sire's,  orphan's,  brother's,  widow's  mournful  cries, 

And  meagre  Famine's  feeble  voice  complain. 

Such  happiness  awaits  us  ;  blooms  the  world 
Preparing  Ruin's  harvest ;  many  a  king 
Quakes  on  his  throne,  and  many  a  patriot  sighs, 
Consults  blind  oracles,  appall'd ;  the  matrons  hear 
Strange  voices,  utter'd  from  the  viewless  wind, 
And  see  great  armies  warring  in  the  clouds. 

Soon  Discord's  brazen  tongue  shall  shake  the  world 
And  steep  in  bloody  tears ;  Haste,  sanguine  power ! 
Sound  all  your  thunders,  rend  with  awful  peals 
Man's  short  abode,  and  glut  the  ravenous  grave. 
Erst  Heaven  beneath  thy  boisterous  influence  quak'd, 
When  angry  gods  in  fierce  contention  strove, 
Glowing  with  light  all  o'er,  and  round  Jove's  throne 
Briareus  dreadful  heav'd  his  hundred  hands : 
And  when  Messiah,  o'er  Heaven's  crystal  steep, 
Hurl'd  headlong  half  the  angelic  host  in  blaze, 
As  if  the  stars  of  night  were  swept  in  crowd, 
'Streaming  tumultuous  down  the  void  profound ! 
Hell  swallow'd  the  sing'd  outcasts ;  till  this  hour, 
I  tremble  at  the  memory  of  the  fall ! 
Below,  yawn'd  fiery  gulfs ;  above,  around, 
The  scathful  lightning  hiss'd,  whose  brightness  dimnrd 
Cherubic  eyes  that  oft  had  gaz'd  on  Jove. 

From  midst  the  storm  of  burning  elements 
I,  with  Hell's  King,  escap'd,  pass'd  Chaos  wild 
Arid  night's  drear  realm,  in  search  of  this  sad  world, 
Which,  after  perilous  voyage,  we  discern'd 
And  soon  subdu'd.     Yicegerent  of  my  sire, 
Worthy  to  be  th'  antagonist  of  Heaven, 
I  govern  man.     How  settled  is  my  sway ! 
While  priests  and  kings  lead  mortals,  I  shall  swell 
The  pomp  of  Death ;  Christ's  lore  shall  not  prevent, 
While  its  expounders  bow  before  my  throne, 
Contention's  progress,  and  my  murderous  reign. 

Though  evil  fell  upon  my  glorious  son 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  423 

In  Russia's  clime  no  cause  have  we  to  mourn ; 
For  thence  our  sway  shall  be  more  wide ;  our  name 
More  terrible :  As  his  bright  sphere  declines, 
Old  Darkness  spreads  her  dull  monastic  wings, 
Hatching  my  brood,  and  putting  off  the  years 
By  prophets  sung,  when  men  shall  war  no  more. 
Gigantic  armies  still  await  his  call, 
To  punish  cruel  foes  and  false  allies. 
At  Lutzen  now  he  leads  th'  avenging  powers, 
Bent  on  offensive  war ;  and  soon,  I  ween, 
Europe's  broad  breast  will  utter  funeral  groans. 

Thus  the  great  slaughterer  spoke  ;  his  joyful  bands, 
"With  acclamation  tore  the  aerial  hall 
Pride  loftier  stalked  among  the  glowing  forms : 
Ambition's  heavenward  face  effulgent  blaz'd  ; 
But  Valor  venerable,  unmov'd  replied : 

Earth-troubling  lord,  from  whose  tempestuous  arm 
Flow  fates  of  nations,  and  unnumber'd  woes, 
Remember,  Yalor  ne'er  partakes  thy  joy  ; 
Though  doom'd  thy  drudge,  he  hates  thy  damning  reign  ; 
'  Tis  founded  on  the  wickedness  of  man. 
Well  may'st  thou  boast  thy  sire,  and  he,  his  child  : 
With  ease  I  trace  the  lineaments  malign. 
I  would  thy  arm  were  powerless,  that  the  just 
Were  not  compell'd  against  thee  to  defend, 
And  drag  the  virtues  to  thy  hateful  train, 
As  pearl  to  swine.     O  haste  ye  peaceful  days  ! 
When  Justice'  universal  rule  shall  hush 
Thy  wo-begetting  voice  ;  when  I  shall  toil 
To  fortify  the  mind  'gainst  temporal  ills, 
And  tender  drooping  buds  of  life  prolong, 
Instead  of  scattering  death  through  angry  hosts  ! 

He  ceas'd ;  the  Monarch  frown'd,  nor  deign'd  reply  ; 
His  serpents  hiss'd  ;  fierce  flames  and  gloomy  clouds 
About  him  roll'd  ;  the  Furies,  reddening,  rag'd  ; 
Gorgons  rode  round  in  whirlwind,  and  upbore 
Thick  grove  of  arms,  that  bray'd,  with  rocky  throat, 
And  dreadful  gleam'd.     He  draws  his  murderous  blade, 


424  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Earth  groans,  Heaven  casts  a  quivering  bolt,  and  scowls 

As  mustering  storm,  then,  swift,  with  frightful  shout, 

Bounds  from  the  lofty  world-illuming  dome  ; 

And  hovers,  wrapt  in  clouds,  o'er  Lutzen's  field ; 

There,  high  above  the  destin'd  scene  of  blood, 

He  stands,  and  bids  the  Furies  urge  the  fight. 

The  nations  hear  his  voice,  as  the  wreck'd  tar 

Wandering  in  wave-tost  skiff  forlorn,  hears  nightly  howl 

The  spirit  of  the  deep.     Valor,  the  while, 

With  Wisdom,  from  the  bright  abode  descends, 

To  great  Nopoleon  ;  Valor  first  he  saw, 

And  thus  address'd  him  :  Welcome  conquering  power, 

Who  help'st  me  brave  the  dreadful  storms  of  fate. 

Th'  assembled  nations  soon  before  my  arm 

Shall  fly  confus'd  ;  already  Fear  has  shook 

The  Prussian  monarch  ;  Lauriston  now  goes 

To  Leipsic's  gate — I  haste  to  meet  him  there, 

To  rouse  the  battle  with  our  youthful  bands, 

And  early  teach  them  to  subdue  the  foo. 

Thus  he  ;  Valor  responded  :  My  advice 
'Thou  hast  anticipated  ;  Wisdom  grave 
Will  temper  aught  of  rashness  in  thy  views. 

He  spoke  ;  forthwith  the  sapient  power  began  : 
Hush  not,  too  daring,  on  uncertain  doom  : 
Be  cautious  of  the  foe,  whom  victory  fires — 
WTio,  like  resistless  torrents,  has  advanc'd, 
Sweeping  the  wreck  of  mighty  hosts  before. 
For  fiercely  will  he  combat  with  your  powers. 
The  weak  subdue  the  strong  by  patient  toil 
And  prudent  care ;  great  strength  gives  small  results 
When  ill  applied.     Be  thou  prepar'd  for  fight — 
I  seek  thy  foes.     Say,  Valor,  wilt  thou  wend 
With  me,  companion  of  my  journey  ?     Come, 
Diffuse  thy  favors  with  imperial  hand. 

Thus  she  ;  the  power  of  bravery  thus  replies  : 
The  merit  of  their  progress  Winter  claims  ; 
Go  on,  illume  the  doubtful  road  of  thought — 

'  o 

Know,  Valor  early  dwells  with  warriors  wise. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  425 

He  ended ;  and  the  fair  directly  pass'd 
To  Wittgenstein  •  near  Altenburg  he  lay  ; 
She  found  him  musing  on  his  foe's  intent, 
And  thus  address'd  him  :  Lo  !  Napoleon  comes 
To  hurl  thy  armies  headlong  to  the  grave  : 
A  sudden  onset  might  defeat  his  schemes. 
He  waits  for  Lauriston  to  Leipsic  gain, 
When  he  that  way  will  move.     His  centre  now, 
Assail'd  in  flank,  perhaps  might  be  surpris'd, 
If  by  quick  movements  thou  commence  the  fight ; 
So  wont  to  be  th'  attacking  party,  he 
Scarce  dreads  the  active  valor  of  his  foes. 

She  spoke,  and  disappear'd ;  then  Wittgenstein 
His  generals  summon'd  and  her  plan  advis'd  : 

A  third  of  Gaul  at  Listenau  contend  ; 
There  Lauriston,  would  open  Leipsic's  gates  ; 
May  not  our  conjunct  force  the  rest  defeat, 
If,  with  united  strength,  we  quick  assail  ? 
Then  let  us  march  on  Lutzen,  and  o'erwhelm 
Gaul's  youthful  corps.     Such  sudden  blow  will  damp 
Her  warriors,  and  her  sovereign's  plans  confound. 

An  anxious  world  beholds  us  ;  much  depends 
On  our  discretion.     Austria  would  not  aid 
Were  we  defeated  ;  then  let  pass  no  chance 
To  weaken  the  great  foe,  whose  mighty  powers, 
When  concentrated,  'twill  be  hard  to  oppose  ; 
But  when  divided,  as  they  now  appear, 
We  may  presage  success.     Part  after  part 
May  be  detach'd,  till  mountains  are  remov'd : 
'  Tis  thus  the  weak  o'ercome  the  strong  in  war. 

He  so  reveal'd  what  Wisdom  had  inspir'd — 
The  listening  chiefs  approved.     Mild  Yalor  hears 
And  kindles  at  the  bold  resolve  ;  the  sound 
Of  drums  unnumberd  rouse  the  camp  to  arms  ; 
Line  following  line,  as  wave  rolls  after  wave, 
Move  on,  bright  glimmering  in  the  beams  of  morn. 
The  mounted  chiefs  in  glittering  robes  career, 
Along  the  polish'd  iron  groves,  that  blaz'd 


4:26  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

On  heaven,  and  dancing  floods  of  radiance  shed. 
So  myriads  far  advanc'd  to  gory  fray, 
While  Sol  the  zenith  traversed,  wheel'd  below 
The  western  world,  and  from  his  orient  throne 
The  stars  extinguish'd  and  the  night  dispelPd. 

He  twice  had  look'd  on  May  with  rosy  smiles, 
When  throng'd  the  banded  host  on  Lutzen's  field  : 
That  morn,  the  angels  mourn'd  ;  the  immortals'  seats 
Were  fill'd  with  sorrow  for  ill-fated  man  ; 
But  earth  awoke  to  thoughtlessness  and  wo. 

Soon,  toward  the  centre  of  the  host  of  Gaul, 
De  York  and  Blucher  lead  their  numerous  bands. 
Napoleon  sees  th'  impending  storm,  and  swift, 
By  rapid  heralds  borne,  his  orders  fly. 
Ney,  Soult,  Marmont,  McDonald  and  Regnier, 
On  fiery  coursers  hurry  through  their  trains, 
And  sudden  shine  in  terrible  array 
The  Gallic  armies,  burning  to  contend. 

Now  wide  and  dreadful  flame  the  thundering  guns 
From  wing  to  wing  of  Blucher's  laboring  powers. 
France  fired  as  soon.     Throughout  her  dauntless  lines 
Thick  flashes  rise  ;  gregarious  deaths  are  hurl'd, 
And  smoky  darkness  blackens  all  the  field. 
The  neighboring  region  tremble — earth,  amaz'd, 
Groans,  pants  with  anguish,  human  lot  deplores, 
Flooded  with  gory  tears.     The  foaming  steeds 
Prance  wild  ;  high  bounding,  like  red  lightning,  dart 
With  ardent  chiefs  along  the  deadly  storm 
And  snuff  the  troubled  air.     Dark  dusty  clouds 
Tumultuous  thicken  on  the  eddying  wind. 
Swells  martial  music  loud  ;  scarce  heard,  for  sounds 
Of  clamorous  muskets,  voices  of  dismay, 
Screams  of  the  wounded,  and  the  clash  of  arms. 
Discord,  fell  fury,  lifts  her  banner  high, 
Streaming  with  blood,  and  pregnant  with  distress  ; 
Hell  in  her  countenance  shines,  infernal  forms 
Throng  in  her  way,  and  join  her  horrid  roar. 
Mars,  from  his  cloudy  seat,  comes  flaming  down, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  427 

His  furies  raging  round,  and  shrieking  dire. 
On  every  side  he  aggravates  the  fight, 
Makes  nations  fear,  and  damps  the  hopes  of  kings. 
Through  all  the  bleeding  field  he  hurl'd  his  bolts 
In  deathful  play,  from  gloomy  clouds  of  smoke 
Low  rolling  midst  the  combatants  ;  there  bent 
On  havoc  vast,  he  thunders,  foams,  and  swells 
In  wild  commotion,  spreading  fatal  rage, 
While  hapless  mortals  die.     Glory,  the  while, 
Eeside  Ambition,  on  tempestuous  cloud, 
Edg'd  with  pale  terrors,  glides  around  the  fight. 
Her  wreaths  refulgent  flaming,  like  the  beams 
Of  bright  Aurora,  vivid  splendor  shed  ;     , 
Her  countenance  fir'd  the  field,  and  greatly  swell'd 
The  voice  of  battle  ;  Yalor  labor' d  there, 
Inspiring  ardor  ;  flames  and  deaths  around 
Careering  dreadful,  and  red  streaming  floods 
Increasing  hideous,  burden' d  him  with  pain. 

Ambition  much  anxiety  display'd  ; 
On  Glory  now,  and  now  on  bleeding  men 
She  darts  her  fiery  eyes  in  mute  suspense ; 
Her  views  long  lines  recede,  and  there  advance, 
And  heaps  of  slaughter'd  mortals  gather  round, 
Her  visage  changing  at  the  voice  of  fate. 

Against  red  Kaya  Blucher  swells  the  fight ; 
Thousands  on  thousands  thither  thickening  pour, 
Led  by  his  skilful  arm — infuriate  rage 
Incites  his  thirsty  bands,  and  carnage  rolls 
In  horrid  tide  before.     France  boldly  meets 
The  hostile  flood,  and  fearful  fray  begins  : 
Bayonets  encounter  bayonets  ;  steely  groves 
Weep  human  blood  ;  muskets  revers'd  descend 
Ponderous  with  death,  and  spread  destruction  round. 
At  length  the  French  recede,  contesting  brave  ; 
Wounded,  they  wound,  and  on  the  following  foe 
Shower  copious  ruin.     Still,  by  Blucher  urg'd, 
They  tread  reluctant  the  red  way — this  seen 
By  Gaul's  impatient  monarch,  he  commands 


428  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENDT. 

His  herald  thus  :  Go,  charge  Marmont  to  bring 
All  his  reserve,  and  with  the  lightning's  speed 
Aid  yonder  shatter'd  centre  ;  for  Bertrand, 
Most  opportunely  on  our  right  arriv'd, 
Will  in  his  stead  the  enemy's  left  oppose. 

This  heard,  the  herald,  like  the  bird  of  Jove 
Flying  midst  thunderous  clouds,  vehement  strode 
Through  war's  loud  storm  to  Marmont,  and  thus  speaks  : 

Our  Emperor  wills,  that  thou  bring  all  thy  force 
In  aid  of  our  rent  centre,  and  expel 
The  enemy's  troops  from  Kaya ;  for  Bertrand, 
Arriv'd,  will  in  your  stead  his  left  oppose. 

He  spoke ;  JMarmont  forthwith  conducts  his  bands, 
Inspir'd  with  ardor,  which  the  yawning  grave 
Can  not  abate ;  stern  Mars  beholds,  sublim'd 
With  homicidal  rage  ;  Glory  displays 
Full  in  their  front  her  animating  beams  ; 
Ambition  glows,  Heaven  darkens,  Russia  quakes  ; 
E'en  Blucher  feels  unusual  coldness  run 
Through  all  his  frame,  and  in  his  army's  rear, 
Hurrying,  like  tempests  of  the  torrid  zone, 
Thus  urges  firm  resistance  :  Lo  !  What  comes, 
Gloomy,  terrific  and  intent  on  deeds 
Of  fatal  import  to  this  crimson  day  ! 
Yet  may  our  forces  sweep  them  from  the  field 
Were  ye  to  act  your  parts  with  Prussian  grace  : 
Lead  then  your  bands  to  deadliest  charge,  and  drive 
With  furious  might  the  Gallic  forces  hence  ; 
Go,  bathe  your  weapons  in  their  flying  rear. 

Now  headlong,  loud,  and  dreadful,  like  the  floods 
Fast  down  Niagara  foaming,  rushes  Gaul, 
Fearless,  on  bristling  bayonets,  scattering  death 
And  consternation  ;  nought  withstands  th'  attack ; 
Through  the  torn  village  vanquished  Prussia  flies, 
Close  follow'd  by  protended  arms,  and  shouts 
Of  valiant  victors.     This  De  York  sore  griev'd, 
And  like  bright  comet,  flaming  midst  the  storm 
Of  wild  retreat,  he  waves  his  sword,  and  calls 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  429 

His  routed  train :  Where  fly  ye,  recreant  crew, 
Before  the  host  of  Gaul  ?     Halt !  for  your  lives, 
And  honor  of  your  country — face  the  foe, 
That  he  retrace  the  steps  of  impious  war, 
Nor  more  disturb  the  nations — near,  in  view 
Come  reinforcements — let  the  foe  not  win 
Such  fatal  victory  as  to  blast  our  hopes, 
And  make  our  country's  strenuous  efforts  vain. 

He  spoke  ;  inferior  leaders  strive  to  form 
The  host  fugacious ;  soon  array'd,  it  meets 
The  furious  foe  ;  dread  clash  of  arms  succeeds — 
The  slaughter  swells  ;  Death  stalks  remorseless  round ; 
Disploding  arms,  shouts,  groans,  and  screams  convulse 
The  air  with  hideous  noise.     France  now  recoils, 
In  wounded  plight,  before  the  Prussian  charge. 
But  Marmont  rushing  mid  her  broken  lines, 
Arrests  their  flight,  arrays  them  to  contend. 

And  now  Napoleon  leads  th'  imperial  guard 
To  breast  the  torrent  on  his  centre  thrown. 
Dishevell'd  Discord  and  tempestuous  Mars 
Check  their  red  coursers,  smear 'd  with  dust  and  gore, 
To  gaze  one  moment  at  the  dreadful  shock  : 
Here  Blucher  urges,  and  Napoleon  there 
The  direful  battle ;  and  the  Emperor  thus 
His  heroes  moves  :  Maintain  this  precious  ground  : 
Here  lies  our  shame  or  glory.     Here  the  scale 
Of  victory  falls  or  rises.     Here  one  inch 
Maintained,  or  lost,  decides  the  fate  of  realms ! 
The  foe  his  flanks  has  weaken'd  to  o'erwhelm 
Our  centre ;  but  our  strengthen' d  will  straight 
Show  where  the  greatest  force  in  shortest  time 
Has  been  assembled ;  for  their  balls  will  soon 
Each  other  strike  along  yon  centre's  rear, 
If  we  this  post  maintain  :  Then,  then  the  foe, 
Almost  surrounded,  in  confusion  flies ; 
Alarm'd  at  the  profoundness  of  his  skill, 
That  leads,  with  such  precision,  to  defeat : 
You  see  how  Fortune  favors !     Spread  your  sails ! 


430  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  OENIN. 

Catch,  all  her  breeze !     Make  roar  your  thundering  arms  ; 
For  these  our  want  of  cavalry  must  supply. 
Here,  skill  and  courage  cannot  toil  in  vain. 

Thus  he,  and  round  him  wak'd  heroic  fires  ; 
Repelling  terror's  king  from  human  thoughts. 
Nor  less  did  Blucher  animate  the  fight : 

Behold  th'  auspicious  sign  !  the  imperial  guard 
Brought  down  for  slaughter !  proving  that  the  foe 
Staggers  on  ruin's  verge.     One  effort  more, 
Another  Eosbach  then  shall  Kaya  be ; 
And  Jena's  field,  and  Prussia's  wrongs  reveng'd, 
Sooth  the  kind  Queen,  and  Frederick's  awful  shade, 
That  loud,  above  this  conflict,  on  us  calls 
To  die  as  freemen,  not  to  live  as  slaves ; 
But  seize  th'  oppressor  of  our  country  here : 
Improve  the  time  :  Behold  th'  important  prize ! 
Advance !  Your  honor  more  than  Blucher  bids. 

Thus  he  ;  and  Scharnhorst  seconds  his  designs  : 
Rush  on,  my  countrymen !     Oh  !  pause  not  now, 
When  shame,  or  glory,  on  a  moment  turns  ! 
Here,  here  the  foe  must  quickly  be  o'erthrown  ; 
Ere  danger  menaces  our  weaken'd  wings. 
If  valor  fails,  our  science  plans  in  vain. 
Not  only  Prussia  in  our  bravery  trusts, 
But  Europe's  hopes  and  fears  are  on  our  arms. 
A  we  succeed,  or  fail,  we  roll  a  tide 
Profound  of  joy,  or  grief,  o'er  mighty  realms. 

He  spoke,  but  spoke  his  last ;  th'  informing  soul 
Of  Prussia's  war,  by  iron  tempests  fell'd, 
In  ruins  lies,  and  guides  her  steps  no  more. 

And  now,  in  trembling  Kaya,  in  close  fray, 
The  combat  rages ;  bayonets  are  sheath'd  in  man  ; 
Clamor  tremendous  rises  ;  terror  reigns  ; 
Blood  copious  streams,  and  mountains  of  the  dead 
Strew  the  late  walks  of  innocence  and  love. 

Thrice  Victory  siml'd  on  France,  on  Russia  thrice, 
By  bayonet  point,  in  Kaya's  crimson  field. 
Each  host  retreated  thrice  before  death's  storm 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  431 

Confounded  and  dismay'd :  Brave  France,  at  length, 
By  dint  of  havoc  vast,  the  town  retain'd. 

Meantime  Napoleon's  right  breasts  many  a  shock 
Of  squadron'd  cavalry,  by  gray  Platoff  rul'd, 
Alternately  advancing  and  receding,  gored 
By  sabres  and  fleet  hoofs ;  there  thousands  fall, 
A  ghastly  pavement  for  the  bounding  steed 
And  gradient  warrior  ;  streams  of  reeking  blood 
O'erspread  the  ground,  and  horror  shades  the  scene. 

Now  Lauriston  from  Listen au  returns 
With  his  division  ;  on  his  Emperor's  left, 
Like  a  dark  tempest,  rushes  to  the  fight, 
Sweeping  the  field  before  him  as  a  flood 
Hoarse  rolling  o'er  some  fen  bears  off  the  leaves, 
And  spreading  terrors  and  confusion  wild. 

Kliest  saw  his  Prussians  fly  the  dreadful  storm, 
And  lighting  in  their  front,  them  thus  recalls  : 

O  shameless  officers,  ye  foremost  lead 
Our  host  to  sad  disgrace ;  shall  boys,  mere  boys, 
Drive  veterans  from  the  field  ?     Check  while  you  can 
Their  odious  course,  resist  the  daring  foe ; 
Behold,  I  wait  his  coming ;  let  me  die — 
Nor  see  my  country's  fall,  nor  your  disgrace. 

So  speaking,  twixt  the  adverse  powers  he  rides, 
High  brandishing  his  sword,  midst  swarming  balls, 
Dense  smoke,  and  terrors — the  sub-rulers  view, 
Fir'd  with  new  courage,  fast  array  the  lines 
Retain'd  in  mid  career,  and  hurling  fast 
The  deadly  globes  through  intermediate  space, 
Scatter  destruction  on  the  Gallic  host. 
Now  draw  they  near,  the  horrid  space  between 
Decreasing,  till  the  bristling  groves  unite, 
Braying  tremendous,  like  some  frozen  shore, 
Where  icy  fragments,  scatter'd  o'er  the  main, 
Are  hurl'd  tumultuous  by  tempestuous  winds, 
Island,  on  island,  thundering  to  the  skies, 
Impell'd  by  mountain  billows  crowding  round. 

Short  time  in  equal  balance  hung  their  fates ; 


432  POEMS   OF  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEST. 

Then  Prussia,  fiercely  fighting,  slow  retires. 
This,  Wittgenstein  beholding  thus  commands : 

Herald,  attend  !  Bid  Platoff  quickly  rush 
To  our  disorder'd  right,  with  all  his  steeds, 
Swift  as  the  winds  ;  there  make  resistless  charge, 
Breaking  Gauls  serried  files,  audacious  grown  ; 
That  threaten  much  to  whelm  us  in  defeat. 

The  herald  nods,  like  lightning  darts  away, 
And  soon  to  Platoff  thus  his  message  tells : 

Our  Chief  command,  that  forthwith  thou  proceed 
With  all  thy  force,  our  suffering  right  to  aid ; 
There,  furious  charge  th'  audacious  lines  of  Gaul, 
That  menace  with  defeat  our  laboring  host. 

He  spoke,  and  quickly  wheel'd.     Platoff  collects 
His  warring  thousands,  and  as  autumn's  clouds 
Glide  o'er  the  welkin  on  the  wings  of  wind, 
O'er  hill  and  lawn  his  gleaming  cavalry  strode, 
Thirsting  for  slaughter.     Wittgenstein  now  sees 
McDonald  here,  and  there  Bertrand  approach, 
Loud  thundering  on  th'  allies,  that  bleed  between  : 
From  twixt  the  hostile  wings  he  leads  his  powers  ; 
With  stronger  cavalry  shields  the  endanger'd  rear, 
And  skilfully  eludes  the  grasp  of  Gaul. 
Night  throws  her  mantle  o'er  the  woful  field 
Where  twice  ten  thousand  lay  to  rise  no  more. 

t/ 

In  mournful  ruins,  gash'd  with  gory  wounds, 
Deep  lacerated  with  the  hoofs  of  steeds, 
And  tread  of  striving  troops.     Each  host  withdrew 
From  deadly  play,  to  spend  the  truce  of  night, 
In  ill  repose ;  for  dismal  groans  were  heard, 
And  soul-afflicting  screams  of  dying  men. 

Mars  roll'd  him  in  dun  clouds,  and  thro'  the  Heaven 
Tower'd  roaring  triumph  ;  while  in  festive  dance 
His  furies  troll'd,  and  mimic'd  dying  groans — 
Shriek'd,  like  the  coward,  shouted,  like  the  bold, 
Enjoying  converse  sweet  with  terror  pale, 
And  rioting  in  horror.     Glory  sad 
Ascended  to  Eenown's  sublime  abode, 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  433 

With  kind  concern  the  graves  of  greatness  eyed ; 
There,  midst  her  pensive  train,  in  secret  mourn'd, 
Till  balmy  slumbers  sooth 'd  her  lofty  soul. 

Now  on  day's  throne  bright  Phoebus  mounts  the  skies, 
Dispelling  darkness — drums  unnumbered  sound 
In  either  camp,  and  rouse  the  martial  swarms. 
Shrill  breathes  the  fife ;  the  trumpet  rends  the  air, 
And  fast  the  plum'd  battalions  wend  along 
Towards  Leipsic;  while  the  vanquish'd  nations  pass 
The  Elb,  the  Elster,  and  the  war-worn  fields 
Of  Wurtcher,  where  great  Frederick  once  withstood 
The  force  of  conjunct  nations,  who  fierce  warr'd 
Seven  hapless  years,  and  steep 'd  a  world  in  blood. 
There  Wittgenstein  his  various  troops  combines — 
By  Wisdom  guided,  long  entrenchments  froms 
And  with  two  hundred  thousand  warriors  waits 
The  swift  advance  of  Gaul's  victorious  King. 

JSTapoleon's  myriads  unimpeded  march'd 
Through  Leipsic  and  Probestheyda,  o'er  the  Elb 
By  Dresden,  and  encamp'd  near  Bautzen's  field — 
111  fated  field,  where  Death  will  soon  extend 
His  pale  dominion,  fearful  discord  rage, 
Crushing  the  brave,  and  gory  rivulets  flow. 

Great  Providence,  the  while,  -convokes  the  powers, 
That  labor  on  the  destinies  of  mankind, 
And  thus  attention  to  the  crisis  calls  : 

Shall  now,  for  peace,  Napoleon  to  the  Alps, 
The  Rhine  and  Pyrenees,  confine  his  sway  ? 

Straight  Yanity  begins :     Midst  Victory's  shouts 
What  storm  impends,  that  Gaul's  great  Chief  should  cast 
Into  the  deep  the  fruits  of  many  a  field ; 
His  fortresses,  his  friends  in  foreign  states, 
His  high  pretensions,  and  perhaps  his  throne ! 
For,  tarnished,  would  it  curb  impetuous  Gaul  ? 
'  Tis  better  to  oppose  a  world  in  arms, 
Than,  fetter'd  on  the  hard  bed  of  regret, 
Groan  o'er  concessions  needless  :  Scarce  five  months 
Have  pass'd  away,  since  he  from  Russia  took 
28 


434  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

His  solitary  flight ;  yet  now  he  drives 

The  nations  o'er  the  Elb,  with  soldiers  young, 

Rais'd  by  his  energy,  and  train'd  to  war, 

In  time  how  brief !     The  earth,  thro'  all  her  states, 

The  presence  of  a  wondrous  sovereign  owns, 

Whose  giant  steps  wide  Europe  feels  with  awe. 

The  lofty  oak  before  heaven's  bolts  may  fall — 

It  cannot  shrink  into  the  lowly  shrub. 

So  she  ;  then  Pride :  '  Tis  early  to  succumb, 
When  fortune  overwhelms.     He  yet  maintains 
His  high  pretensions,  and  with  victory's  voice  : 
No  circumstance  appears  that  proves  his  need 
To  make  so  great  a  sacrifice  for  peace  ; 
Not  ten  lost  battles  thus  should  lop  his  power. 
Shall  Talleyrand,  with  well-affected  grief, 
Pretend  his  counsels  have  been  heard  too  late, 
That  France  such  sway  had  held  without  the  wars 
That  strew'd  her  bones  from  Calpe  to  the  pole  ? 
Why  seek  humiliation  ere  its  day  ? 
Anticipate  the  scorn  and  jeers  of  men  ! 
Which,  though  they  oft  on  prudent  counsels  wait, 
Reach  not  th'  unlucky  brave.     Misfortune's  storm, 
Bursting  around  him  in  its  bitterest  rage, 
Hath  but  increas'd  his  glory.     Wither' d  Gaul 
Beneath  his  touch  reviv'd,  as  forests,  shorn 
By  Winter's  breath,  their  verdant  leaves  regain 
Before  the  vernal  sun.     She  straight  outpour'd, 
With  matchless  energy,  another  host, 
E'en  now  to  Victory  dear.     Shall  he  not  soon 
O'er  Niemen  drive  his  foes  ?    Will  Russia's  power 
Increase  by  new  alliance  ?    Austria  sure, 
Will  not  oppose  Louisa's  lord,  late  press'd 
To  sad  extremity.     Her  gratitude 
For  favors  past,  her  policy  forbids. 
Nor  will  Rhine's  federate  states  forget  themselves, 
To  lift  against  their  friend  a  hostile  hand  : 
As  well  the  limbs  might  on  the  body  war  ! 
Can  Holland,  Naples,  Italy,  wish  his  fall 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  435 

Whose  magnanimity  has  blessed  their  lands  ? 
No,  should  he  stagger  under  Fortune's  blows, 
Their  ready  aid  would  prop  his  useful  sway. 
He  then  may  safe  advance  o'er  Order's  stream, 
Assur'd,  twixt  him  and  Rhine  no  foe  will  rise 
To  blight  his  budding  conquests.     Yictory  still 
Shall  cheer  his  road,  and  peace  his  efforts  crown 
On  terms  that  will  not  provo  a  thousand  fields 
And  vast  dominion  have  been  won  in  vain. 

She  spoke  ;  Considerate  Yalor  thus  proceeds  : 
Peace,  at  the  price  propos'd,  his  interest  claims  : 
E'en  all  beyond  the  limits  nam'd  is  lost 
Already  ;  let  him,  therefore,  well  evince 
His  moderation,  by  exchanging  soon 
The  shade  for  substance.     Germany,  oppos'd 
To  his  control,  can  scarce  restrain  her  arms 
From  vengeance.     Kings  and  people  have  combin'd 
Against  his  power.     What  though  he  victories  win  ! 
Whom  a  whole  people  combat  toils  in  vain  : 
A  sword  may  cut,  not  stop  the  ocean  stream  : 
Austria  will  Prussia's  course  pursue,  so  sure 
As  sovereign  states  by  interests  are  controll'd. 
The  marriage  was  for  Austria's  good,  not  harm, 
Her  gratitude  would,  doubtless,  leave  him  France. 
Her  policy  would  prop  Louisa's  throne 
Far  as  consistent  with  the  Austrian  weal, 
That  bids  him  keep  within  the  Alps  and  Rhine. 
The  Germans  will  his  blessings  bear  in  mind, 
When  they  forget  their  children  lost  in  war. 
He  should  the  occasion  seize  to  abandon  Spain : 
A  short,  short  space,  the  will  of  Heaven  allows, 
To  fix  the  terms  of  peace  in  Victory's  arms  ; 
But  this  short  time,  gone  unimprov'd,  he  floats 
Upon  a  shoreless  and  tempestuous  sea, 
And  finds  no  harbor  till  he  finds  his  grave. 

Thus  Yalor  spoke,  and  lofty  Pride  rejoin'd  : 
Would  Austria  war  against  Louisa's  lord  ? 
Has  Russian  power  no  terrors,  that  she  sees 


436          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES 

All  danger  on  the  side  where  her  own  child 
In  grandeur  reigns  ?     Then  let  her  join  his  foes  : 
"War's  pedantry  shall  to  its  science  yield  ; 
The  hero  triumph,  though  the  Emperor  fall. 
Will  people,  as  their  kings,  '  gainst  him  combine 
"Who  feudal  tyranny  has  swept  away  ? 
Who  schools,  roads,  bridges,  harbors  and  canals, 
In  short,  their  interests  fosters  more  than  that 
Of  kings  and  nobles  ?     Let  the  fools  be  slaves  ; 
But  self-approving  days  shall  sooth  his  soul. 

Thus  she  ;  then  Providence  :  His  destiny  leads 
To  toss  the  nations  on  the  waves  of  war. 
The  power  he  deems  essential  to  his  throne 
Is  inconsistent  with  the  world's  repose. 

He  ceas'd,  and  Valor  to  Napoleon  calls  :        i 
Ere  long  will  Austria's  legions  aid  th'  allies 
In  combat.     Crush  your  foe  before  he  gains 
The  great  accession.     Were  his  host  o'erthrown 
The  fears  of  Austria  would  outweigh  her  hopes, 
And  keep  her  sword  in  sheath  e'en  if  resolv'd 
To  war  against  thee.     Though  the  enemy  holds 
A  strong  position,  cogent  reasons  urge 
Immediate  battle.     Stronger  will  he  prove 
Should  Austria,  with  two  hundred  thousand  troops, 
Increase  his  forces.     Be  no  moment  lost ; 
The  fate  of  empires  on  that  space  may  turn. 
Thus  he ;  Napoleon  answers  :  Bubna,  late, 
On  Austria's  part,  insisted  hard  on  peace, 
With  striking  hints  at  most  ungracious  terms  ; 
Still,  I  can  scarce  believe  she  would  do  more 
Than  menace,  to  advance  her  own  designs  ; 
Howe'er,  the  safer  course  shall  be  pursued, 
And  Bautzen's  heights,  forthwith,  be  turn'd  or  storm'd. 
Thus  he ;  and  straight  far  round  on  mountains  rides, 
Surveying,  with  decisive  eye,  the  plains, 
Deep  shaded  valleys  and  defensive  hills, 
Firm  occupied  by  various  thousands  arm'd ; 
Interrogates  the  captur'cl  peasantry 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  437 

On  every  point  beyond  Ms  vision  ;  where 
Each  stream  is  fordable  ;  how  steep  each  slope  ; 
Where  cavalry  and  artillery  may  advance ; 
And  where  such  precipices  as  obstruct 
The  march  of  infantry.     Then  strict  compares 
The  statements  made  ;  discrepancies  detects  ; 
Again  interrogates,  till,  all  explain'd, 
The  varied  ground  is  pictured  in  his  mind. 
He  makes  each  marshal  fully  understand 
The  part  that  in  his  sphere  of  action  lies  ; 
And  with  such  caution  for  events  prepares, 
That  Fortune  scarcely  can  results  control. 
Determin'd  on  the  plan  of  combat  soon, 
He  to  his  listening  marshals  thus  reveals  : 

Some  toil  before  ye  waits — victorious  toil. 
By  menacing  Berlin,  we  hop'd  to  draw 
The  foe  from  yon  position ;  but  he  knows 
Its  strength,  and  does  not  choose,  on  equal  terms, 
To  meet  the  conquerors  of  Lutzen  ;  soon, 
Turn'd  by  our  skill,  his  heights  shall  useless  prove  : 
Ere  night  begins,  our  flag  o'er  Bautzen  waves. 
Thou,  Soult,  wilt  rule  our  centre  in  this  fray, 
And  cross  the  rolling  Spree  when  we  command. 
In  front  of  Bautzen  sage  McDonald  sways, 
Whose  care  shall  be  to  bridge  th'  obstructing  stream 
When  we  give  order  ;  on  his  left,  Marmont 
Another  road  shall  o'er  the  river  throw ; 
Upon  his  left  Bertrand  from  Zelitz  move 
Against  the  enemy's  heights.     Regnier  and 
With  theirs,  and  the  remains  of  Lauriston's 
Division,  round  the  enemy's  right  will  march 
On  Klix,  the  river  pass,  and  aid  Bertrand, 
Establishing  their  powers  on  Wissenburg. 
Here  the  main  torrent  of  the  fight  will  rage, 
While  Oudinot  will  to  his  left  direct 
The  foe's  attention,  lead  our  right  athwart 
The  intermediate  vale  and  silver  stream, 
And  on  yon  mountains  furious  kindle  war, 


438  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENTS'. 

The  federate  left  displacing,  while,  o'ercross'd 
The  stream,  McDonald  Bautzen's  walls  shall  hold. 

He  ended,  and  the  listening  chiefs  retir'd 
To  their  important  stations.     Oudinot 
Arrays  his  numerous  host,  fast  down  the  vale 
Careers,  and  fords  the  intervening  stream  ; 
To  shield  his  march  a  hundred  thunderers  roar  ; 
Astonish'd,  Russia  sees  the  movement  bold, 
And  ere  the  distance  suits,  begins  discharge 
Of  loud  artillery  on  high  glacis  thron'd  ; 
Dark  clouds  of  smoke  accumulate  round  the  hills  ; 
Lightnings  arid  thunders  midst  its  volumes  rage, 
Which  seem  unsettled  mountains  rolling  high. 
Wide  sweeping  dart  the  iron  globes  along, 
Heaving  the  sod  to  heaven  and  rending  groves  : 
The  venerable  oak  reclines — vast  limbs  are  hurl'd 
In  various  courses  through  the  darkening  air. 
Soon,  through  th'  approaching  French,  they  dreadful  fly, 
Whole  bands  destroying.     Oudinot  returns 
The  deadly  thunder  from  his  numerous  tier. 
Near  stands  each  host ;  a  frightful  space  between 
Sighs  with  thick-darting  balls,  that  hit  and  glance 
In  angry  flight.     Unnumber'd  muskets  burn, 
And  horrid  Discord  holds  triumphant  reign. 

The  while,  McDonald  o'er  the  Spree  erects 
A  broad  highway,  on  which  Compans  advanc'd 
With  following  thousands,  furious  as  the  waves 
By  wrathful  tempests  drove  'gainst  rushing  tides. 
Marmont,  too,  o'er  the  Spree  a  bridge  extends  ; 
With  his  division  moves  against  the  foe. 
The  nations  thunder  on  the  thronging  files,      > 
Making  vast  havoc  ;  ponderous  balls  transpierce 
The  bold  battalions,  scattering  blood  and  death 
With  unremitting  violence,  thick  as  hail 
When  boisterous  Boreas  hurls  his  wintry  storms. 
There  thousands  fall ;  thick  darkness  clouds  their  eyes, 
And  deep  oblivion  of  the  dreadful  day 
Pours  on  their  souls.     The  rolling  waves  below, 


THE    NAPOLEAD.  439 

Faint  groaning,  blush  with  blood  of  heroes  dead. 

Compans,  at  length,  upon  the  hostile  shore 

Arrays  his  valiant  train  ;  the  voice  of  fight 

Now  doubly  hideous  rises ;  flames  and  smoke 

Involve  the  myriads — darts  embattled  Gaul, 

With  bayonets  keen  protended,  on  the  foe  ; 

Loud  clash  of  arms  ensues,  and  wild  outcry, 

Shouts,  screams,  such  uproar  as  if  all  the  fiends 

Of  burning  Tartarus,  in  blackest  cloud, 

Sail'd  heaven  midst  flames  and  thunders  warring  dire. 

So  terrible  the  adverse  armies  join'd ; 
Attended  by  blank  Horror,  through  the  groves 
Of  bloody  iron,  flies  pale  Terror's  king : 
Around  him  wounded  mortals  gasp  and  groan, 
Before  him  burn  Contention's  angry  fires. 

Mars,  in  a  dusky  cloud,  moves  o'er  the  field  ; 
His  red  hand  bears  a  goblet  crown'd  with  gore ; 
Sad  triumph  brightening  on  his  vengeful  brow, 
He  quaffs  the  reeking  liquid  with  delight, 
Wild  dances  to  the  notes  of  Horror's  lyre 
On  every  point,  where  bleeds  the  dreadful  fray: 
Now,  where  De  Tolly,  Blucher,  Ney  contend ; 
Now,  where  Marmont  is  tost  on  slaughter's  waves ; 
Where  Oudinot  ascends  redoubts  in  gore ; 
Where  gray  McDonald  rolls  the  tide  of  death ; 
With  nimble  step  he  heaves  his  giant  form : 
Now  seems  a  gloomy  mass,  a  quivering  flame, 
A  hill,  uprooted,  whirl'd  by  furious  winds, 
And  now  a  stormy  cloud  that  hides  the  field. 

Bossart  there  falls,  by  ruthless  bayonet  pierc'd : 
He  staggering  tumbles,  bites  the  slippery  ground, 
And  everlasting  darkness  shades  his  eyes. 
He  liv'd  an  honest  life,  and  bravely  died 
In  combat's  hottest  rage.     Florain  in  youth 
Beside  him  sudden  plunges  in  the  grave  ; 
His  head  a  winged  death  convey'd  away, 
Gasping  and  bleeding  through  the  fearful  storm. 
Strelitz,  intrepid  Chief,  careering  bold 
Midst  battle's  direst  tumult,  death  o'ertakes ; 


44:0  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

A  fatal  bullet  perforates  his  breast — 
From  his  high  steed  he  falls  among  the  dead, 
His  eyes  in  darkness  swim,  the  soul  departs 
Indignant  o'er  the  angry  naming  fight. 
In  quick  succession  fall  illustrious  men ; 
O'er  myrtled  thousands  Kuin  fiercely  drives ; 
What  noble  youths  beneath  his  tempest  fall ! 
The  lofty  spirits  from  their  bodies  flown, 
They  lie  in  dust  and  gore,  deform'd  with  wounds. 
So,  under  lightning,  falls  the  stately  pine — 
So,  fades  its  verdure,  and  its  beauty  dies. 
Bessieres,  the  good  and  brave,  ere  this  had  fall'n 
Struck  from  his  courser  in  Poserna's  vale ; 
"War's  thunder  snatch'd  him  from  the  troubled  world 
Without  a  pang,  the  day  ere  Lutzen  bled : 
Heaven  kindly  sav'd  him  from  th'  afflicting  field 
And  the  foul  evening  of  Napoleon's  reign. 
Humanity  and  Justice  haunt  his  grave, 
And  own  their  much-lov'd  votary  slumbers  there. 
Six  hours  the  armies  strove ;  when  Prussia  flew 
From  the  sore  combat,  in  rude  disarray, 
Beyond  astonish'd  Bautzen  ;  then  resumes 
A  battailous  aspect  in  redoubts  reserv'd. 
Ney,  Lauriston,  Regnier,  meantime  advance 
O'er  Spree,  on  Klix,  to  take  in  flank  and  rear 
Their  enemy ;  but  brave  Blucher  on  them  pours 
An  iron  tempest,  and  his  ground  maintains. 
Bold  Oudinot  impetuous  leads  his  bands, 
With  reeking  bayonets  o'er  the  bulwarks  high, 
Which  Russia's  left  defends.     Contention  here 
Red  mantle  wore ;  like  winds  on  mountain  rocks 
Vehement  storming,  up  the  high  redoubts 
Rush'd  banded  Gaul ;  and  thrice  rebounded,  urg'd 
By  thronging  iron  groves  and  thundering  tubes. 
And  now,  the  sun  descended,  wildering  night 
Delays  the  slaughter,  and  the  nations  rest 
From  odious  labor ;  but  with  heedful  eye 
Retain  the  field  and  wait  the  light  of  morn, 
To  bathe  in  human  blood  their  thirsty  arms. 


BOOK   X. 


ANALYSIS. 

The  second  day's  battle  of  Bautzen,  in  which  the  Allies  are  defeated,  their 
wings  being  forced  back  on  their  centre.  They  are  attacked  the  next  day  at 
Reichembach  and  compelled  to  retreat.  Deceit,  surprised  that  Austria  does 
not  assist  the  Allies,  Intrigue  explains,  that  Austria  was  deterred  by  their 
defeat  at  Lutzen  ;  and  suggests  that,  if  truce  could  be  had  until  the  armies 
of  the  Allies  were  recruited,  Austria  would  join  them.  Kliest  and  Shouva- 
loff  are  deputed  to  Napoleon  to  propose  a  suspension  of  hostilities,  to  which 
he  agrees  for  forty-seven  days.  Touching  the  negotiations  which  follow, 
Wisdom  admonishes  him  to  take  no  steps  on  the  supposition  that  he  and 
Austria  have  the  same  views  of  her  interest.  The  speech  of  Rashness,  of 
Napoleon,  his  soliloquy  at  the  tomb  of  Frederick  the  Great.  He  extends  the 
truce  twenty  days  at  the  request  of  Austria :  at  its  close  she  declares  war 
against  France. 

'Now  morning  open'd  wide  her  golden  gates, 
Illuming  orient  heaven  with  rosy  light ; 
Loud  swell'd  the  music  of  the  martial  powers ; 
Days  beaming  face  was  met  by  glittering  arms 
Of  mighty  armies  thirsting  to  contend. 
The  rear  of  France  tremendous  blush'd  with  gore, 
Cumber'd  with  mountains  pale  of  slaughter'd  men ; 
But  smaller  heaps  of  death  than  soon  will  rise : 
Impatient  Havoc  o'er  the  hosts  impends, 
Vast  numbers  soon  must  sleep  in  death's  cold  arms, 
And  mournful  ruins  strew  th'  ensanguin'd  field. 

From  all-beholding  heights  Napoleon  views 
The  thronging  myriads,  and  the  fight  controls  ; 
There  his  assembled  chiefs  he  thus  bespeaks  : 

Brave  men,  your  conduct  in  the  conflict  last 
Delights  your  Emperor,  and  auspicious  seems 
Of  what  awaits  us  this  momentous  day, 


442  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

In  which  unusual  toil  must  be  endured, 
And  skillful  movements  made.     Exertion  "bold, 
That  in  short  time  inundates  half  the  field 
With  crimson  floods,  will  yet  more  life  preserve 
Than  lengthen 'd  combat,  while  it  conquest  brings. 
Sweep  all  the  field  of  enemies,  as  strong  winds 
In  boisterous  grandeur  drive  the  clouds  along. 
Thou,  Oudinot,  by  brave  McDonald  join'd, 
Discharge  your  rending  thunderers  on  the  foe, 
His  left  involving  in  a  night  of  clouds, 
Our  main  intent  concealing ;  while  Mortier 
Speaks  to  their  centre  with  his  hundred  guns. 
While  thus  ye  combat,  Ney  on  Klix  shall  raise 
War's  loudest  voice,  and  turn  the  enemy's  right. 
I  here  shall  stand  and  scan  your  deeds ;  act  well, 
And  ere  night  comes  the  victory  will  be  ours. 

He  ceas'd — each  to  his  station  hies — and  fast 
The  warlike  forest  moves  in  mazy  rounds, 
Bristling  with  shining  arms — through  the  long  lines 
Impetuous  fly  the  chiefs  bearing  command, 
Soon  roars  th'  artillery  of  the  hostile  powers, 
Uptearing  ground,  and  trees,  and  spreading  death. 
Unnumber'd  muskets  labor  with  more  din 
Through  all  the  jarring  scene,  than  thousand  storms 
United  thundering  on  th'  affrighted  world 
Along  the  mountain-rolling  deep,  and  woods 
Stupendous  branching  in  the  void  of  heaven  ; 
While  clouds  and  seas  commix,  and  oaks,  uptorn, 
Are  hurried  wild  through  lightning-darting  skies, 

Soon  sable  clouds  o'ershade  the  trembling  field, 
That  now  is  wrapp'd  in  darkness,  now  in  flames. 
Gigantic  Havoc,  fiercely  raging  round, 
Rends  mountains,  crushes  rocks,  and  trees,  and  men. 
On  Bautzen's  neighboring  heights  Napoleon  stands, 
Attesting  valorous  deeds.     Kirgener  and 
His  lov'd  Duroc  beside  him  view  the  fray. 
Glory,  above,  conceal'd  in  silvery  clouds 
From  general  view,  celestial  balm  diifus'd, 


THE   NAPOLEAD. 


443 


Inspiring  vigor,  such  as  lifts  the  soul 
To  loftiest  tone.     He  bids  his  herald  fly, 
And  ISTey  inform,  against  th'  enemy's  right 
To  rush  directly,  and  victorious  prove, 
Advancing  through  Prelitz,  Presig,  and  Klix, 
To  Wurtcher's  fields.     Forthwith  the  herald  flew 
Down  the  dark  hill,  like  lightning  from  the  skies, 
And  quick  reveals  his  message  :  Straight  the  Chief 
Leads  his  bold  myriads  to  th'  encounter  dire ; 
Loud  roar  two  hundred  thunderers  iron-mouth'd, 
Rending  the  region  round  of  earth  and  heaven. 
Thick  flame  the  muskets  of  th'  opposing  powers, 
Distracting  tumult  and  unnumber'd  sounds 
Tremendous  rise ;  the  spirit  of  the  land 
Starts  from  the  onset,  howling  dread  and  wild — 
The  mountains  tremble,  bellow  the  long  vales ; 
The  combat  bleeds  in  darkness  ;  Mars  in  flames, 
Careers  in  tempests  o'er  the  stormy  field, 
Roaring  with  brazen  throat,  such  frightful  sound 
As  spread  blank  horror  through  the  laboring  war. 
Now  o'er  Klix'  domes  he  storms ;  now  where  Mortier 
Wide  rages  on  the  hostile  centre ;  now 
Where  Oudinot's  redoubled  thunders  sound. 
Terrors,  his  pale  attendants,  shriek  ;  red  floods 
Blush  in  his  course,  aud  swarming  ghosts  ascend. 

Through  shatter'd  Klix  France  headlong  pours,  her  foes 
Driving  amain,  who  combat  as  they  fly 
In  desperate  fury ;  thousands  fall,  expos'd 
To  trampling  victors :  carnage  spreads  around 
And  writhing  mortals  horrid  strew  the  field. 

~Now  on  Prelitz  the  dreadful  battle  glides  ; 
Its  turrets  rent,  in  shatter'd  ruins  fly ; 
An  iron  shower  falls  ponderous  on  its  domes, 
And  consternation  stalks  o'er  all  the  scene. 
Brave  Blucher  soon  a  force  reserv'd  arrays 
Against  the  victor  foe ;  heaven  darker  frowns, 
While  the  infuriate  armies  near  approach, 
Incessant  hurling  deadly  balls  between, 


444:  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

From  clamorous  muskets  and  superior  arms. 

Impetuous  Prussia  comes ;  nor  France  recedes, 

Waiting,  indignant,  the  o'erwhelming  charge. 

Dire  clash  their  arms,  unusual  uproar  grows, 

Blood  streams  around,  shrieks,  shouts,  and  groans  arise 

And  deaf  ning  clangor  swells  along  the  field. 

Now  here,  now  there,  the  wearied  French  retire 
Before  the  thronging  groves  of  thirsty  steel, 
Retracing  the  red  way,  contending  still 
With  obstinate  valor,  while  the  ample  field, 
For  many  a  furlong  groans,  and  weeps  red  streams. 
Continual  iron  showers,  at  random  huii'd 
By  the  fast  flying  armies,  scatter  death ; 
Huge  ghastly  mountains  of  dead  mortals  rise ; 
Dismember'd  heads  roll  frightful  on  the  plains, 
Streaming  and  and  gasping  with  death-rolling  eyes. 
When  Klix  repass'd,  the  French  with  bayonets  pois'd. 
Await  close  combat — Prussia,  fearing,  halts, 
And  distant  hurls  a  deadly  iron  shower. 

Meantime,  Napoleon  orders  Soult  to  march 
(Who  rul'd  his  centre)  on  the  foe's  main  post. 
Soult,  with  bold  myriads,  like  tempestuous  storm, 
That  prostrates  forests  and  infuriate  sweeps 
The  clouds  and  lands  along,  falls  on  the  foe ; 
Loud  roar  his  thunders,  deathful  muskets  flame 
In  near  contention,  smoky  gloom  involves 
The  angry  prospect ;  Wittgenstein,  alarm'd, 
Impetuous  hurries  with  his  martial  train, 
Thus  speaking  :  Friends,  the  trying  moment  comes, 
When  this  great  fight  in  doubtful  poise  depends. 
Use  all  your  vigor — bring  our  whole  reserve  ; 
For  see,  our  host  recedes — inveterate  Soult, 
With  ardent  legions,  plays  such  fatal  game  ! 

Thus  he  ;  swift,  Karpoff  with  large  force  advances  bold 
Through  the  dark  iron  showers  ;  his  sullen  bands 
A  quenchless  vengeance  fires  ;  not  France  they  deem 
Shall  urge  them  from  the  life  ingulfing  fray. 
With  force  resistless,  on  astounded  Gaul, 


THE   NAPOLEAD,  445 

"With  flaming  guns  and  bayonets  keen,  they  plunge, 

Like  quivering  lightning  on  some  stately  tower, 

The  pride  of  empire — wild  commotion  grows, 

Shouts,  groans,  and  clang  of  arms — dire  Discord  drinks 

The  blood  of  thousands — disarrayed,  France  stands 

Scattering  destruction,  and  deep  swallowing  death. 

The  Gallic  marshals,  like  fierce  meteors,  dart 

Along  the  dreadful  burning  combat — Soult  sublime 

Hides  through  the  gloom  impelling  hideous  fray — 

Shouvaloif  in  severest  battle  flames  ; 

His  eye  seeks  victory,  or  the  grave — and  Kliest, 

Careering  lofty  midst  disploding  tiers, 

Excites  heroic  rage — two  hundred  guns 

Hurl  thick  destruction  on  the  Gallic  powers, 

"While  many  a  warrior's  head  flies  through  the  heavens 

Chattering  in  death.     At  length,  o'er  mountains  pale 

Of  fallen  men  the  lines  of  Gaul  retire, 

The  federate  armies  thronging  on  their  rear, 

"With  crimson  bayonets,  and  destructive  balls, 

Spreading  dread  carnage,  and  confusion  wild. 

Napoleon  hastes  to  end  the  furious  fray 
In  victory,  concentrates  his  utmost  strength, 
And  thus  addresses  Mauborg's  soldiery  brave  : 

'Tis  now  the  moment  to  decide  the  field  ; 
Prepare  for  conquering  :  rush,  resistless  rush 
Against  th'  audacious  foe,  whom  late  ye  drove ; 
Myself  will  lead  the  way.     Then  like  some  storm, 
That  levels  harvests,  branching  woods,  and  sweeps 
Huge  billows  from  the  ocean  to  the  clouds, 
Advance  the  guard  beneath  the  Emperor's  rule. 
Soult,  recollecting  his  far  routed  powers, 
Joins  with  like  fury  in  the  bold  attack  : 
Fast  flames  th'  artillery,  and  inferior  arms, 
Incessant  flashing,  thunder  direst  peals. 

Blucher  array 'd,  presents  an  awful  front 
On  right  of  the  allies  ;  but  what  shall  stand 
Napoleon's  onset  with  selected  men  ! 

Short  time  at  distant  battle  stood  the  powers  : 


446  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Led  by  imperial  valor,  France  drives  on 

Like  fiery  floods  ascending  craggy  hills, 

And  on  the  Prussian  forces  pours  amain.   . 

Prussia  the  shock  withstands  ;  keen  sword  on  sword, 

Bayonet  on  bayonet,  in  close  fight  oppos'd 

Bray  fearful ;  javelins  red,  like  lightning  streams, 

Glance  o'er  the  heads  of  myriads  ;  arms  revers'cl 

High  lifted,  ponderous  fall,  with  deadly  weight — 

Screams,  dying  groans,  and  shouts  commingled  rise 

With  din  of  arms,  sound  of  drum,  trumpets'  roar, 

And  various  uproar  of  tempestuous  steeds, 

In  cloudy  squadrons,  charging  round  the  field. 

At  length  the  Prussian  lines  confus'd  retire, 

Wide-spreading  ruin  rages  on  their  rear. 

Wild  disarray,  and  soul-dejecting  rout 

Betide  th'  unhappy  nations.     Ney,  the  while, 

Through  Klix  advancing,  by  the  bayonet  point 

The  vanquish'd  enemy  drives.     In  storm  he  comes  ; 

Like  chaff  before  fierce  whirlwinds,  flies  his  foe 

O'er  the  thrice  trodden  road  of  blood — he  hurls 

A  shower  of  ruin  on  their  frighten'd  rear 

Through  Prelitz,  and  Presig,  to  Wurtcher's  fields  ; 

And  simultaneous,  Oudinot  o'erthrows 

The  Russian  left ;  across  the  ramparts  wades  ; 

And,  as  a  tempest  drives  a  shatter'd  fleet. 

In  wild  commotion  sweeps  his  foes  before. 

Both  wings,  now  turn'd,  th'  allies  make  safe  retreat 
O'er  many  a  bloody  league  ;  nor  France  pursues  ; 
For  Phoabus  rolls  down  occidental  skies, 
And  sudden  darkness  wraps  the  smoky  field. 
Yet  fly  the  nations  from  the  jaws  of  death 
Through  chill  nocturnal  shade,  till  far  away, 
At  Reichembach,  they  take  desired  repose. 

Soon  as  Aurora's  early  light  prevail'd, 
Skirting  the  eastern  horizon,  the  French, 
Rous'd  by  their  wakeful  King,  pursue  the  foe — 
At  Reichembach  o'ertake  him,  and  the  voice 
Of  bloody  conflict  dreadful  sounds  again  ; 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  447 

Again  he  flies  before  victorious  Gaul ; 
Again  Napoleon  with  triumphant  hosts 
Pursues  the  vanquished'  nations  ;  and  attempts 
Into  his  rushing  columns  to  infuse 
His  lion  spirit ;  threatens,  praises,  moves 
By  every  motive  that  may  stir  the  soul ; 
Nor  words  alone  employs  ;  he  sends  his  aids 
To  every  point ;  from  rank  to  rank  he  darts, 
And  foremost  in  th'  attacking  masses,  toils 
Midst  deadly  showers,  by  flying  nations  thrown, 
"  Scoundrel  thou  creep'st !"  he  to  a  general  calls, 
As  headlong  past  him,  with  his  staff,  he  bounds  : 
What  lethargy  !     Are  corses  in  pursuit, 
Or  slumbering  men  ?     O  expedite  the  chase — 
Or  would  ye  nothing  win  but  bloody  fields  ? 
Without  the  harvest  we  have  sown  in  vain — 
The  fight  is  won,  but  yonder  goes  the  prize  ; 
Insulting  goes,  and  scarce  a  trophy  leaves  : 
Awake  !  advance  !  or  we  have  bled  for  nought 
But  barren  glory,  and  an  empty  name  ! 

Thus  he  excites,  and  onward  pours  his  host, 
Deploying,  as  the  foe  in  battery  plac'd 
His  thunderers,  and  contracting,  when  the  road, 
Unrak'd  by  iron  hail,  his  march  invites. 

'Twas  then,  Duroc,  some  evil  fated  globe 
Thee,  and  Kirgener  brave,  remorseless  hurl'd 
To  death's  cold  door,  while  yet  thou  converse  held 
With  great  Napoleon  on  the  deeds  of  war. 
What  pity  melted  his  heroic  soul 
To  view  the  dying  brave  !  his  steady  friend 
And  long  companion  in  the  walks  of  fame  ! 
Unheeding  battle's  horrible  career, 
The  mighty  Monarch  lifts  the  dying  Chief 
From  the  cold  ground,  and  sighing,  thus  begins  : 

Thy  hapless  fate  deprives  me  of  a  friend, 
Who  many  a  year  midst  all  the  storms  of  wo, 
And  smiles  of  Fortune,  hath  most  constant  prov'd. 
Death  comes  unwelcome,  but  he  gilds  the  close 


448  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Of  life's  short  journey,  when  he  mows  the  brave. 
He,  by  his  victim,  sees  himself  out-frown'd, 
And  counts  his  conquest  poor  ;  his  mortal  stroke 
Gives  fame  immortal,  and  his  shaft  so  loud 
Eesounds,  he  shrinks  before  the  life  it  gives, 
And  mourns  th'  existence  which  defies  his  rage. 

Insatiate  power,  how  many  a  valued  friend, 
Limbs  of  my  tree,  and  glories  of  my  reign, 
Thy  havoc-spreading  arm  hath  torn  away  ! 
The  space  they  fill'd  is  now  a  dreary  void — 
On  the  old  trunk  new  friendship  feebly  grows — 
Old  age  to  early  ties  with  fondness  clings, 
Which  sever'd,  pain  the  heart,  till  memory  dies. 

Alas  !  all  things  must  end,  friendjhip  must  cease. 
The  heart  that  heaves  for  glory  turn  to  dust ; 
"Whole  armies  die,  great  monarchies  decay, 
Lovers  be  separate,  and  the  oblivious  grave 
At  length  determine  all  our  wants  and  fears. 

Thou  go'st  before  me ;  but  few  years  will  roll, 
Ere  down  the  road  of  death  I  too  must  wend  : 
Till  then  my  memory  oft  shall  wander  here, 
To  catch  the  glimpses  of  thy  setting  sun  ; 
Till  then,  as  oft  as  to  thy  life  I  turn, 
Thy  name  be  honor'd,  and  thy  exit  mourn'd. 

The  generous  Monarch  ended,  and  the  chief : 
Mourn  not,  lov'd  sovereign,  thy  poor  servant's  fall ; 
His  doom  is  that  of  thousands  this  proud  day  ; 
But  far  more  blest  than  theirs.     In  thy  great  sight 
I  hear  my  country  mourn  a  patriot  gone, 
And  see  imperial  honors  grace  my  tomb. 
I  ne'er  ignobly  shunn'd  this  gloomy  hour ; 
But  glory  sought  in  many  an  iron  storm  ; 
Perhaps  too  heedless  of  man-shielding  gold. 
I  fall  resign 'd  ;  but  that  domestic  train, 
Their  prop  destroy 'd,  expos' d  on  life's  rude  stream, 
Will  curse  the  fatal  ball  which  laid  me  low, 
And  future  years  behold  with  tearful  eyes. 
I  leave  them  to  the  guardian  who  so  oft 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  449 

Hath  kindly  wip'd  the  widow's  tears  away. 

Eetire  good  Sovereign,  for  my  plight  obscures 
Thy  soul  with  grief ;  more  great  events  require 
Thy  present  notice  than  one  mortal's  death. 

So  he,  with  faltering  tongue  ;  the  king  replies  : 
'Tis  sadly  pleasing  to  attend  our  friends 
Distress'd,  and  sooth  the  death-bed  of  the  brave. 
Strangers  to  want  thy  progeny  shall  rise, 
My  bounty  wipe  thy  widow's  tears  away, 
Save  those  that  spring  in  memory  of  thy  worth. 

He  ended,  and  the  Marshal  from  his  arms 
Releas'd,  whose  eyes  soon  stiffen'd  at  death's  hand. 
His  spirit  rose  above  the  stormy  world. 

Now  dark  Deceit  emerges  from  her  cave, 
Involv'd  in  darkness,  seeks  Intrigue's  abode, 
High  o'er  where  Alps  on  many  a  kingdom  frowns, 
And  thus  begins  :  Alas  !  what  I  foretold 
Is  now  transpiring.     Roars  the  storm  of  war 
Tremendous,  shaking  Europe's  utmost  bounds. 
With  matchless  expedition  victory  bears 
The  Gallic  Emperor  over  bleeding  foes — 
On  Oder's  stream  e'en  now  his  legions  throng, 
The  scatter'd  nations  flying  wild  before. 
Why  is  not  Austria's  warlike  host  array'd 
To  breast  the  headlong  torrent  of  his  arms  ? 
Does  she  not  seek  Illyria,  the  Tyrol, 
Her  influence  high  in  Germany  to  regain, 
To  make  the  Inn  her  limit,  and  acquire 
Warsaw's  rich  dukedom  ?     What  event  will  more 
Advance  th'  accomplishment  of  her  designs 
Than  Gaul's  destruction  in  the  Russian  land  ? 
When  Providence  invites  her  to  the  field, 
Why  does  she  wallow  in  inglorious  sloth, 
And  let  the  hopeful  time  forever  pass  ? 

Thus  she  ;  Intrigue  the  Austrian  views  explain' d  : 
When  late  she  saw  the  Gallic  legions  fall 
By  Winter's  power,  mov'd  by  thy  force  nnd  mine, 
She  form'd  alliance  with  the  Russian  king ; 
29 


450          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  had,  with  all  her  strength,  encounter'd  Gaul ; 
But  ere  her  armies  march'd  was  Lutzen  won. 
Her  hostile  pact  unknown,  she  deem'd  it  wise 
To  still  dissemble,  lest  her  generous  foe, 
Whose  banners  thrice  have  o'er  Vienna  wav'd, 
Might  keep  th'  advantage,  if  he  swept  again 
Her  vaunting  antiques  from  the  field  of  war. 
What  thou  foretold'st  has  but  in  part  transpir'd  : 
Know  Sweden's  strength  hath  not  attain'd  the  field, 
Nor  hath  the  Russian  half  his  force  ernploy'd. 
Could  truce  be  had  till  all  the  federate  bands 
Were  gather'd,  them  would  potent  Austria  join, 
And  with  o'erwhelming  might  the  French  oppose. 

Still  uninform'd  of  Austria's  hostile  aim 
He  might  suspend  the  contest  if  she  sought, 
By  mediation,  to  .compose  the  feud : 
His  generous  nature  readily  would  yield 
To  her  entreaty  ;  he,  too,  wants  repose. 
A  double  object,  then,  we  shall  have  gain'd, 
Time  to  collect  our  powers,  and  chance  to  throw 
On  him  the  blame  of  this  wide-wasting  war. 

How  loud  th'  allies  could  tell  the  cheated  world 
Of  their  desire  for  peace,  while  they  employ 
All  means  t'  ensure  Contention's  lasting  reign  ! 
Should  we  let  slip  a  time  so  opportune 
To  influence  Europe's  crisis,  and  decide 
The  destiny  of  great  nations  ?     But  ev'n  now 
Does  Wisdom,  by  Necessity  implor'd, 
Admonish  Wittgenstein  to  seek  a  truce 
Of  that  destructive  conflict.    Let  us  aid, 
In  work  so  useful,  that  sagacious  dame. 

Thus  she,  and  quickly  plung'd  thro'  yielding  air, 
To  bright  Vienna  ;  while  Deceit  descends 
To  Russia's  Emperor,  and  explains  the  plan 
Intrigue  suggested,  to  elude  the  weight 
Of  present  trouble  :  He  forthwith  convenes 
His  Chiefs  and  Councillors,  and  thus  begins : 

Our  foes  have  triumph'd,  nor  the  fault  is  ours  : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  451 

You  did  what  heroes  could  ;  but  Heaven  oppos'd. 

Ah,  what  can  feeble  men  !     O'er-ruling  Jove 

Dispenses  human  doom :  In  vain  man  strives 

Against  his  high  decrees :  "We  to  our  fate 

Should  act  accordant,  not,  with  venturous  aim, 

Counter  to  Wisdom's  lore,  draw  greater  wo 

From  Heaven's  unwilling  hand  ;  then  should  we  still 

Join  doubtful  battle  with  Napoleon's  host, 

To  ours  superior,  and  innam'd  with  pride 

Of  constant  victory  ?     Should  we  not  recruit 

Our  ranks,  where  Death,  with  greedy  rage,  hath  prey'd  ? 

With  greater  numbers  we  may  war  secure. 
When  reinforcements  shall  increase  our  strength, 
'  Twill  be  fit  time  to  face  th'  imperious  foe ; 
But  ere  such  succor  comes  all  Poland's  clime 
May  see  his  banners  in  proud  triumph  wave, 
And  half  our  flying  remnant  glut  the  tomb. 
Such  wo  to  shun  should  we  not  truce  request 
Of  Gaul's  great  Chief,  since  Austria  firm  demands 
Her  mediatorial  voice  be  heard  ?    Who  asks  the  boon 
Dreadless  of  war  seeks  peace  ;  gives  him  to  hope, 
Nought  promising,  that  we  would  much  resign 
To  gain  the  blessing,  fairest  gift  of  Heaven ! 
Nor  intimates  our  weakness  and  distress, 
Nor  tries  to  hide  what  France  too  well  perceives. 

Thus  he ;  the  prudent  measure  all  approve. 
Kliest  and  Shouvaloff  are  deputed  soon 
To  Gaul's  victorious  Emperor,  to  propose 
The  grateful  intervention  of  a  truce 
To  war's  outrageous  fury,  while  the  powers 
Negotiate  in  pursuit  of  blissful  peace ; 

The  delegates  the  victor  Chief  attend, 
And  straight  the  needed  object  thus  pursue : 

Illustrious  Emperor,  war  on  thee  confers 
Brilliant  success,  on  us  defeat  and  toil ; 
Because  our  kings  command  new  hosts  to  rise, 
More  numerous  than  the  masses  that  oppos'd 
Thy  way  at  Lutzen  and  red  Bautzen's  fields  ; 


452  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEKT. 

But  much  the  hard  necessity  they  mourn, 
"Which  makes  them  separate  sire  and  son  to  bear 
Defensive  arms  against  their  fellow  men. 
And  though  of  victory  they  have  not  despair'd, 
As  Austria  wishes  peace,  they  ask  a  truce 
Of  this  contention,  to  deliberate  well 
The  high  conditions,  free  from  war's  alarms. 
So  they.     Th'  imperial  hero  thus  replies : 
When  late  the  storms  of  heaven  o'erwhelm'd  my  host, 
You  warr'd  successful ;  but  no  truce  I  ask'd ; 
Yet  truce  there  was  of  Mercy's  healing  reign. 
Your  savage  fury  fell  not  on  the  strong, 
Subdued  by  Eussian  valor  ;  but  the  weak, 
The  chill'd  sojourners,  whose  surrender  call'd 
The  hand  of  Pity  to  relieve  their  woes. 
Can  time  efface  this  soilure  from  your  name  ? 
I  wish  no  foe  the  infamy  which  he  earns 
By  cruelty  to  the  fallen.     If  revenge 
Prompt  me  to  give  one's  fame  a  cureless  wound, 
I  him  will  tempt  t'  oppress  the  captive  brave ; 
And  if  I  fail,  most  joyfully  will  fail, 
And  own  he  merits  victory  and  respect. 

Now  rouse  ye  half  the  world  to  bring  me  low  ; 
But  Heaven  again  must  aid  you,  else  my  arms 
Make  dance  your  regal  trumpery  wild  retreat — 
Make  England's  gold  and  Sweden's  valor  vain ! 

He  ended,  and  Shouvaloff  thus  rejoins : 
More  as  philanthropists  than  statesmen  we 
Thy  sanction  ask  of  truce.     The  good  man  wants 
No  power,  attain'd  by  human  wo ;  but  seeks, 
By  generous  sacrifice,  to  save  his  race  : 
Yet  Virtue's  self,  could  Heaven  neglect  her  pray'r 
And  let  Ambition's  sateless  claim  prevail, 
May  make  resistance  fatal  as  severe, 
'  Till  sadly  pleas'd  th'  emancipated  world 
Wondering  exclaims,  "  th'  oppressor  is  no  more !  " 

As  God  is  just,  he  gives  to  short-liv'd  man 
No  license  to  disturb  and  bleed  his  kind ; 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  453 

But  each  one  in  his  sphere  requires  to  act 

The  part  of  Heaven  to  man — prevent  distress — 

Be  charitable,  merciful,  benign, 

And  as  he  would  be  treated,  treat  with  all. 

If  you  persist  in  war,  what  hosts  must  die  ! 
Fair  youth  and  hoary  age  will  rush  to  fight, 
Till,  cloy'd  with  blood,  Mars  sickens  at  the  view. 
When  this  great  slaughter  shall  have  curs'd  the  world, 
~No  better  offers,  I  predict,  we  make 
Than  now ;  for  then  we  well  may  try  to  gain 
Meet  compensation  for  the  bloody  toil. 

We  act  impolitic,  but  most  humane 
To  cease  from  warring  while  events  afford 
Excuse  to  summon  millions  to  the  field  ; 
'  Tis  what  will  bless  our  people,  not  our  kings  ; 
Humanity  solicits,  wilt  thou  hear  ? 

Tims  he ;  the  Chief  resumes  :  What  wondrous  charm 
Hath  on  your  principles  so  deeply  wrought, 
So  chang'd  your  monarchs'  nature  ?     These  of  late 
Methought  unmerciful,  though  now  so  kind — 
So  truly  anxious  for  their  people's  weal, 
They  give  up  policy  for  justice !     More  defeats 
Would  doubtless  swell  their  virtue,  and  the  good 
Which  thence  would  flow  to  half  the  human  race 
Might  be  immense  :  In  causing  which  I  judge 
My  acts  accord  with  Heaven's  benignant  will. 
'  T would  not  be  wrong,  then,  to  refuse  your  pray'r ; 
But  much  dispos'd  to  quench  the  torch  of  war, 
And  taste  the  joys  of  peace,  I  grant  the  truce 
Till  two  score  days  and  seven  shall  pass  away. 
In  that  calm  time  East  Prussia  shall  contain 
The  enemy's  armies,  and  Silesia  mine. 
E'en  Breslau  and  Berlin  your  troops  may  hold. 
Our  garrisons  of  Dantzic,  Stettin,  Molsk, 
And  Custrin,  shall,  if  such  our  pleasure  be, 
Receive  provisions  each  five  days  the  while, 
And  round  each  post  one  league  of  liberty  enjoy. 

Your  present  force,  which  Magdeburg  blockades, 


454:          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENLN". 

Must  be  remov'd,  and  that  position  freed. 
Subscribe  to  this  and  ye  may  cease  from  war. 

Thus  he ;  the  embassy  assent,  and  bear 
The  pleasing  tidings  to  their  mighty  lords. 
These  soon  the  object  of  the  truce  disclos'd ; 
NOT  fear'd  he  whom  their  followers  faithless  call'd, 
Would  e'en  that  fraudful  compact  disregard  ! 
They  summon  men  of  every  age  to  arms, 
And  loud  proclaim  the  truce  will  end  in  war : 
How  well  they  knew  th'  events  of  future  days ! 

Each  moment  of  the  respite  gain'd  is  pass'd 
In  busy  preparation,  to  renew 
With  force  resistless  war's  unhappy  reign. 
While  Austria  mediates  for  the  peace  she  shuns  ; 
And  asks  of  France  Illyria  to  restore, 
With  the  Hanse  Towns — that  independent  kings 
Hule  Italy  and  Holland — that  the  Pope, 
Degraded  long  as  prisoner  at  St.  Cloud, 
(How  chang'd,  since  monarchs  as  his  hostlers  toil'd !) 
Be  thron'd  in  Rome ;  anon  withdraw  from  Spain 
Her  troops,  and  captive  Ferdinand  enthrone. 

Wisdom  this  heard,  as,  from  her  high  abode, 
She  view'd  the  subtle  movements  of  th'  allies  ; 
And  loth  his  magnanimity  should  more 
Expose  him  to  the  malice  of  his  foes, 
Swift  as  a  solar  ray  she  shot  from  heaven, 
And  thus  the  Chief  admonish'd  and  ad  vis' d : 

Man's  guardian  hero  !     Why  inconstant  prove 
To  constant  victory  ?     Why  this  ominous  truce  ? 
Deem'st  thou  that  I  control  thy  Austrian  sire, 
Or  light  the  gloom  of  prejudice  which  surrounds 
His  court  ?    Experience  big  with  wo  must  aid 
My  voice  ere  he  discerns  that  Austria's  weal     * 
Depends  upon  the  safety  of  thy  power. 
To  shun  the  Lion  he  will  feed  the  Bear ; 
From  fancied  upon  real  dangers  run. 
He  fears  the  march  of  mind  may  harm  his  throne, 
Instead  of  aiding  those  who  fill  it  well ! 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  455 

Ah,  from  his  policy  no  hopes  indulge. 

His  dam  will  not  repel  the  hostile  floods ; 

But,  by  collecting,  much  increase  their  force, 

And,  treacherous,  whelm  thee  under  Europe's  weight. 

Know'st  thou  what  pacts  these  kings  with  Freedom  hold, 
What  clogs  they  put  to  revolution's  wheels  ? 
Has  not  each  peace  new  coalitions  rais'd, 
Of  the  crown'd  brethren,  to  o'erthrow  thy  power, 
Who  blam'd  thee  for  the  wars  themselves  provok'd  ? 
Would  Russia  armistice  have  now  implor'd, 
But  to  gain  force  from  old  despotic  states  ? 
Her  choice  of  her  negotiator  shows — 
The  terms  propounded  copious  answer  give. 
To  these  accede  not,  lest  thy  wants  confess'd, 
Increas'd  demands  would  still  the  peace  defer. 
Let  what  the  armistice  concedes  seem  given 
Through  confidence  in  thy  superior  might. 
Had  I  been  heard  when  Bubna  sought  to  end 
This  mournful  war,  just  after  Lutzen  bled, 
I  might  have  reconcil'd  with  Europe's  peace 
Thy  glory,  and  the  safety  of  thy  throne ; 
But  now  thou  canst  not  rest  till  kings  despair 
To  crush  thy  power  :  Let  not  their  hopes  be  fed 
By  indiscreet  concessions ;  nor  their  fears 
Awak'd  by  large  demands.     Peace  must  be  woo'd 
As  if  thou  lov'dst,  but  couldst  without  survive. 

This  Rashness  hearing,  thus,  with  tremulous  voice, 
Indignant  interrupts  the  sapient  power  : 

Why  parle  of  peace,  where  insult  sole  is  found  ? 
Conciliation  flow  from  Borgo's  lips ! 
As  soon  would  Envy  praise,  or  Malice  love. 
But  honor  holds  the  Emperor  to  the  truce ; 
Else  should  the  flames  of  combat  furious  burn, 
And  Discord  toss  the  nations.     This  would  give 
His  fortune  matchless  lustre.     Shrink  the  arm 
That  signs  inglorious  peace,  and  blasts  his  hopes 
Of  shielding  Europe's  race  with  sacred  laws. 
Th'  allies,  I  doubt  not,  tremble  at  his  power ; 


456  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Then,  since  negotiation's  farce  is  doom'd, 
Let  him  insist  on  such  oppressive  terms, 
As  shall  disgust  his  foes  and  quickly  end 
Prague's  solemn  mockery.     'Twas  in  evil  hour 
He  gave  the  vanquish'd  truce — I  feel  the  guilt 
Of  that  ill  deed ;  its  storm-engendering  calm 
Sees  fearful  doubt  o'er  cast  the  face  of  kings, 
And  armies  gathering  from  all  Europe's  states — 
Its  end  is  big  with  war,  discord  its  dirge. 

Thus  she ;  the  Emperor  then  :  Too  late  advis'd, 
I  see  in  vain  th'  advantage  rashly  given 
Th'  insidious  foe ;  but  since  this  course  is  taken, 
I'll  firm  pursue,  or  good  or  ill  befall, 
And  seek  industriously  the  wish'd  result. 

Ere  I  descend  this  mountain  of  my  power, 
'Tis  mine  to  swell  the  tide  of  royal  woes. 
My  ill-requited  kindness  shall  not  spare 
The  sceptred  ingrates  who  have  prostrate  lain 
Before  th'  imposing  triumphs  of  my  arms. 
Have  I  o'erpriz'd  the  sense  of  kings  so  far  ? 
My  generous  presents  into  vipers  turn'd  ? 
Shall  then  nor  Hymen's  altar,  honor's  voice, 
Nor  Austria's  own  dear  interest,  interpose 
Against  the  iron  torrent  ?     Sure  this  truce, 
If  she  were  wise,  can  bring  no  ill  result ; 
'Twill  swell  my  numbers,  and  may  sheath  the  sword, 
If  all  well  founded  expectations  fail, 
We  must  submit  to  fate.     Or  win  or  lose, 
Glory  shall  crown  my  toils.     But  will  the  foe, 
Quite  buried  in  defeat,  persist  to  ask 
My  acceptation  of  less  rule  than  erst 
Was  mine  ?     Such  daring  impudence  indulg'd 
By  those  so  late  in  flight  before  our  arms !  • 
'Tis  ominous  of  dull  Austria's  dark  designs. 
Some  steps  of  fiery  war  must  shake  their  thrones, 
The  kingdom-crimsoning  tragedy  be  resum'd  ; 
Lutzen  and  Bautzen's  horrid  strife  recur  : 
Thus  I'll  negotiate  with  the  thunder's  voice— 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  457 

In  the  plain  language  of  contested  fields — 
Which  soon  makes  Avarice  hear  and  Prejudice  see, 
And  hurries  compliments  from  monarchs'  tougues. 

Scarce  once  bright  Dian  fill'd  her  silver  horn, 
While  thrice  defeated,  thrice  the  nations  fled 
Before  our  infant  armies.     (Thou,  Renown, 
Hast  told  the  story  to  th'  admiring  world.) 
As  erst,  I  saw  the  gates  of  war  unfold 
To  glory's  ample  field  and  giant  power ; 
Which  exercis'd  by  me,  but  transient  time, 
Would  shed  thick  blessings  on  th'  unhappy  world ; 
But  truce  implor'd,  I  swift  restrain'd  the  car 
Of  victory,  bounding  trembling  princedoms  o'er, 
Forsook  again  the  interests  of  mankind, 
And  limited  our  fortune  for  the  kings 
Who  prove  so  thankless — for  the  joys  of  peace — 
A  flood  of  gladness  rush'd  upon  my  soul 
That  she  was  near :  Yain  hope  !  no  rest  is  mine  : 
To  quit  my  crown  or  subjugate  the  world, 
Is  the  hard  choice  propos'd  by  ancient  thrones. 
Though  on  the  waves  of  war  I  glorious  sail, 
I  long  to  reach  the  haven  of  repose, 
Lay  down  the  great  dictatorship  and  show 
The  laws  transcendent  o'er  the  sword  and  crown. 

He  spoke,  and  wandering  near  great  Frederick's  tomb, 
Pensive  survey'd  th'  unconscious  earth  that  holds 
The  majesty  renown'd  of  other  days. 
How  have  the  mighty  vanish'd !  (he  exclaims,) 
Their  greatness  ended,  save  the  empty  sound ! 
Here  set  the  sun  of  Prussian  glory — here 
All  that  could  die  of  Frederick  sleeps  in  dust. 
Here  ends  his  body — when  will  end  his  fame  ? 
On  that,  disease  and  worms  and  time  have  prey'd ; 
But  what  can  this  devour !     This  stone  may  fall, 
His  kingdom  crumble,  pass  to  foreign  hands ; 
But  his  renown  shall  flourish  undecay'd 
While  letters  last  and  wisdom  is  admir'd. 

Alas !  thou  hear'st  not  Fame's  obstreperous  trump : 


458          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

"No  human  voice  can  pierce  the  ear  of  death ; 
Nor  joy  nor  grief  to  his  cold  breast  impart. 
As  some  poor  swain,  untaught  to  stray  beyond 
His  native  fields,  thou  minglest  with  the  clod. 
Then  why  should  man  with  toil  pursue  renown  ? 
Sure  not  to  enjoy  it  in  the  cheerless  grave ; 
Self-approbation  strews  our  path  with  flowers  : 
Just  hopes,  the  consciousness  of  worth,  rewards 
Our  enterprise,  ere  death  concludes  our  days. 

Sad  bourn,  ere  long  I  too  shall  pass  thy  gloom, 
And  only  live  in  history  and  in  song — 
Great  monarchs  then  may  ponder  o'er  my  grave, 
Forget  themselves  in  memory  of  my  deeds, 
And  say,  "  this  mouldering  dust  once  shook  the  world." 

Grand  monuments,  and  useful,  I  shall  leave  : 
Well  guarded  Justice  long  shall  bless  my  laws  : 
The  traveller,  oft,  as  o'er  the  Alps  he  wends, 
Shall  think  of  him  who  smooth'd  the  long  ascent. 
Great  navies,  yet  unhewn,  as  safe  they  ride 
In  Cherbourg's  sheltering  port,  shall  laud  the  art 
That,  rivalling  nature,  dug  in  solid  rock 
The  harbor  huge,  and  fac'd  with  ocean  isles. 
The  works  which  thrice  four  hundred  millions  rear'd, 
Shall  oft  to  life  this  fleeting  form  recall. 
But  O,  how  transient  are  the  works  of  men  ! 
E'en  fame  itself  may  die,  though  deathless  deem'd : 
One  quake  of  ocean-trampled  Earth  might  raze 
All  mortals'  names,  with  all  their  structures  proud. 

Grandeur  and  power,  how  few  are  all  your  joys ! 
How  small  an  isle,  in  time's  eternal  stream, 
My  labors  form  !     Ah,  what  has  man  to  boast ! 
Truth's  sober  influence  Fancy's  dreams  dispels, 
Evincing,  happiness  all  things  outweighs. 
The  greatest  of  mankind  is  poor  and  frail : 
We  seem  as  insects  on  a  body  vast, 
Scrambling  each  other  o'er  :  Yet  earth's  huge  bulk 
Scarce  that  relation  bears  to  nature's  frame, 
As  the  minutest  sand  to  yonder  sun. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  459 

Coop'd  in  this  vault  of  stars,  our  eyes  survey 
But  one  apartment  of  the  dome  of  Jove. 
We  know  not,  but  the  whole  creation  booms 
Each  second  through  th'  interminable  void 
Of  leagues  unnumber'd  millions.     O,  how  high 
Th'  Almighty  sits,  and  guides  the  march  of  worlds ! 
Preserves  their  order  :  here  Sol's  fires  renews — 
There  wheels  the  planets  round  the  burning  orb — 
Now  gives  direction  to  the  comet's  flight, 
And  in  its  place  each  constellation  holds. 

Thus  he.     The  truce  expires — yet  unprepar'd  for  war, 
The  Austrian  king  for  its  extension  sues. 
Gaul's  Emperor  grants  for  one  score  days  his  pray'r, 
That  time  may  show  where  Austria's  interest  lies. 
But  all  conciliatory  measures  fail, 
And  big  with  war  th'  armistice  rolls  away. 

Now  with  affected  anger  and  regret, 
That  Gaul's  pretensions  forc'd  him  to  contend, 
The  Austrian  Emperor  to  the  world  declares : 
"  My  friendly  call  conven'd  the  powers  at  Prague 
In  search  of  peace :  Great  were  my  hopes  to  view 
The  jarring  nations  own  her  blissful  sway, 
While  every  power  retain'd  what  Justice  gave ; 
But  these  glad  hopes  have  fled :  A  sea  of  war 
Napoleon  o'er  the  suffering  Continent  rolls, 
Alarming  all  her  states.     His  daring  claims 
Our  being  menace,  and  insult  our  crown. 
Then  we  must  on  him  war,  or  yield  our  throne 
And  honor  to  th'  encroachment  of  his  power ; 
A  sad  alternative !  May  Heaven  ordain 
It  bring  to  long  distracted  Europe  peace." 


BOOK   XI 


ANALYSIS. 

The  position  and  number  of  the  troops.  The  plan  of  operations  of  the 
Allies  discussed  by  Moreau,  the  sovereigns  of  Russia  and  Prussia,  and 
Schwartzenberg.  Napoleon  pursues  Blucher,  who,  according  to  the  plan 
adopted,  retreats  for  the  purpose  of  seducing  the  French  Emperor  from 
Dresden.  In  his  absence,  the  main  force  of  the  Allies  attempts  to  storm  the 
city ;  but  Napoleon  returns  during  the  battle,  and  directs  a  sortie  against 
both  wings.  The  next  day  the  Allies  are  defeated  and  pursued  by  Van- 
damme  into  the  valley  of  Culm,  where  he  and  his  corps  are  captured  and 
dispersed.  Brief  notice  of  events  contemporary  and  subsequent.  The 
Allies  menacing  Napoleon's  communications  with  France,  he  concentrates 
his  armies  between  the  Partha  and  Pleisse,  in  and  around  Leipsic.  The 
battles  of  Leipsic  and  Hanau. 

TEN  times  had  Sol  on  sultry  August  shone, 
When  blazing  rockets  stream'd  from  height  to  height, 
Up  heaven's  dark  vault,  from  Prague  to  Trachenberg  : 
Thus,  Austria,  to  th'  allies,  announc'd  the  end 
Of  truce,  and  that  the  dogs  of  war  were  loos'd. 
Wild  Discord  glow'd,  as  glared  the  threat'ning  sign, 
And  flew  to  Lunenberg,  in  headlong  haste, 
To  hear  his  thunders,  shouts  and  groans.     For  there 
Davoust,  with  Gaul's  and  Denmark's  fiery  sons, 
Assails  th'  allies  and  drives  them  from  the  field. 
O'er  Stettin  then  she  shakes  her  crimson  brand  ; 
'Its  batteries  feel  the  rage  of  thundering  arms, 
With  Russia  interchanging  deadly  blows. 

Meantime,  Napoleon,  from  Yittoria,  hears 
The  tidings  of  defeat.     He  Soult  deputes 
To  bring  back  victory  to  his  hosts  in  Spain 
And  guard  his  France  from  Albion's  threat'ning  arms. 
He  turns  the  graceful  trees  of  Dresden's  walks 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  461 

To  palisades  and  bulwarks.     Here  he  bides 
With  his  fam'd  guards,  his  armies  posted  round  : 
Full  sixty  thousand  in  Lusatia  camp'd  ; 
At  Leipsic,  Oudinot  three  score  controll'd ; 
McDonald  ninety,  on  Silesia's  bounds  ; 
Wrede  thirty,  in  Bavaria  ;  the  viceroy, 
In  Italy,  forty,  on  th'  Adige,  commands ; 
St.  Cyr,  near  Pirna,  twenty  ruPd,  and  watch'd 
The  passes  fro     Bohemia.     There  th'  allies, 
In  number  ten  score  thousand,  Prague  surround, 
And  Schwartzenberg  obey.     Prince  Bernadotte 
Twice  fifty  thousand,  at  Berlin  controls  ; 
Bold  Blucher  guards  Silesia  with  fourscore ; 
And  Walmoden,  with  forty,  Schwerin  holds  : 
The  prince  of  Reuss,  with  equal  force,  observes 
The  corps  of  Wrede,  and  Hiller  the  viceroy's. 
Full  twice  four  hundred  thousand  stalk  in  arms. 

Moreau  had  left  the  refuge  of  th'  oppress'd 
To  aid  his  country's  foes  ;  by  them  uprais'd 
To  guilty  dignity,  through  him  to  crush 
Th'  Earth-filling  Emperor.     Although  France  retain 
Napoleon  on  her  throne,  can  that  excuse 
The  matricidal  blow  ?     While  nations  hold, 
'  Tis  glorious  in  our  country's  cause  to  die, 
That  private  must  to  public  objects  yield, 
May  he,  for  personal  wrongs,  attack  the  state  ? 
Though  she  on  Linden's  conqueror  looks  with  pride, 
She  mourns  the  errors  of  her  wandering  child. 
With  him  the  chiefs  and  sovereigns  of  th'  allies 
Confer  upon  the  future  course  of  war  : 
The  Russian  Emperor  thus  invites  his  aid  : 

If  great  Napoleon  fall,  loud-tongued  Renown 
Will  say,  the  arm  was  thine  that  laid  him  low ; 
If  he  prevail,  with  his  inferior  force, 
We,  with  th'  astonish'd  world,  may  well  exclaim, 
"  This  cannot  be  Moreau  of  other  times  !" 
Now  all  our  armies  in  a  circle  stand 
Round  Dresden,  where  Napoleon  keeps  his  guard, 


4:62          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN". 

His  armies  an  interior  circle  hold. 

Their  numbers  and  position  thou  hast  seen. 

So  situate,  what  shall  we  do  ?    Declare. 

He  spoke  ;  Moreau  replies  :  Man  may  deserve 
Though  not  obtain  success  ;  and  Fortune  oft, 
Capricious,  mocks  the  skillful  and  the  brave. 
Napoleon  best  is  fought  where  he  not  holds 
With  energy  his  own  the  battle's  reins. 
All  circumstances  show  'tis  his  design, 
As  bounds  the  tiger  from  his  compass'd  lair, 
To  dart  from  Dresden  with  his  guard,  and  give 
Preponderance  to  each  army,  when  the  hour 
For  combat  comes,  and  crush  th'  opposing  force ; 
Then  back  on  Dresden  fall,  and  leisurely 
Await  th'  occasion  for  another  stroke  ; 
And  thus  successively  our  hosts  o'er  whelm. 
So  circumstanced,  he  greater  force  than  we, 
In  equal  time,  may  concentrate  on  points 
Upon  the  lesser  circle  which  he  holds.    . 
To  thwart  his  plan,  then,  if  he  forward  move, 
Admit  him  scarce  to  skirmishers  ;  but  fly, 
Well  serving  on  his  front,  our  heaviest  arms. 
Let  no  temptation  lead  one  to  resist 
The  ponderous  torrent  that  his  presence  rolls  ; 
His  voice,  his  look,  makes  heroes.     When  he  rides 
Through  shouting  armies,  Death  indignant  sees 
That  man  no  longer  trembles  at  his  darts. 
His  genius,  boundless  as  great  nature,  guides 
Efficiently  the  tempest  that  he  wakes. 
While  thus  he  marches  far  in  vain  pursuit, 
Let  Schwartzenberg  on  Dresden  fall  in  storm  ; 
Our  other  forces  press  Napoleon's  rear  ; 
Destroy  his  intercourse,  and  round  him  close. 
He  will  not  scale  Bohemia's  mountain  roads 
'  Till  Bernadotte  or  Blucher  is  assail'd  ; 
Hence,  Schwartzenberg's  will  be  th'  glorious  task 
To  spread  our  banners  over  Dresden's  walls. 
His  appui  gone,  and  his  supplies  our  own 


THE  NA.POLEAD.  463 

The  enemy  then  must  quit  the  vale  of  Elb. 

Thus  he  ;  then  Russia's  Emperor  :  Sweden's  Prince 
Like  counsel  gave.     The  plan  implies  delay  : 
Some  fain  would  rush  on  Dresden  and  secure 
The  great  disturber  with  our  giant  force 
Before  he  could  combine  his  scatter'd  hosts  : 
Our  strength  sufficient  seems  t'  ensure  success  ; 
But  may  the  victory  not  be  bought  too  dear, 
And  prove  less  welcome  for  its  bloody  haste  ? 

He  spoke  ;  the  Prussian  Monarch  thus  advis'd  : 
Let  myriads  bleed,  and  flood  the  field  with  gore, 
If  this  may  frustrate  Europe's  hated  scourge. 
What  though  a  hundred  thousand  warriors  fall  ? 
Full  thrice  that  number,  if  Napoleon  reign, 
Must  tread  the  downward  way  ;  then  let  us  sweep 
Him  and  his  legions,  with  united  arms, 
Down  ruin's  gulf,  and  close  the  deadly  game  ! 
Protracted  war  not  only  robs  of  life, 
And  causes  general  wo,  but  wastes  our  stores. 
A  limb  cut  off,  the  body,  heal'd,  revives ; 
As  one  who  sick  repels  the  loathsome  dose, 
And  after  many  a  painful  hour  expires, 
Are  we,  unless  this  joint  attack  be  made. 
Our  thunderers  vast  shall  prostrate  Dresden's  walls 
And  his  cramp'd  legions  rend,  while  our  large  hosts 
Infuriate,  strong  and  dreadful  on  them  plunge, 
Sweeping,  like  mighty  floods,  their  lines  along. 
Will  victory  then  be  doubtful  ?     Must  not  France 
Yield  her  Napoleon  to  our  mightier  arm  ? 

I  hate  to  hear  my  burden'd  people  groan 
At  war's  wide  havoc  in  their  native  land  : 
The  sound  already  harrows  up  my  soul. 
For  us  they  bear  the  frightful  weight  of  woes  ; 
To  us  they  look  for  quick  relief;  say,  then, 
Shall  millions  mourn,  and  we  reproach  endure, 
To  keep  some  thousands  from  an  earlier  grave  ? 
Hope  not  to  gain  the  object  of  this  strife 
Without  extensive  slaughter  of  our  sons ; 


464r  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES 

A  man  of  carnage  wields  th'  opposing  sword — 
The  mob's  dread  sovereign  and  the  plague  of  kings. 

The  Monarch  ceas'd,  and  Schwartzenberg  began  : 
Napoleon  and  his  guard,  beside  St.  Cyr, 
With  twenty  thousand  would  our  host  detain 
Before  the  walls  of  Dresden  ;  while  his  skill 
"Would  concentrate  and  throw  superior  force 
Upon  our  flanks.     Th'  attempt  propos'd  might  end 
In  our  destruction.     Be  th'  attack  deferr'd, 
Until  diminished  numbers,  and  St.  Cyr, 
Comparatively,  small  defense  can  make ; 
That  with  more  certainty  we  may  compute 
The  time  essential  to  secure  the  prize. 

He  spoke  ;  the  Council  with  Moreau  concur  ; 
And  couriers,  straight,  to  every  distant  chief 
Convey  th'  adopted  plan,  with  earnest  charge. 
To  rigidly  pursue  the  course  prescrib'd. 

Soon  Blucher  menaces  McDonald's  powers  : 
Forthwith,  Napoleon  to  his  marshal's  aid 
Conducts  his  guard ;  but  Blucher  timely  flies  ; 
He  bids  adieu,  in  thunder,  as  he  goes 
Across  the  Kutzbach,  and  position  takes 
Near  Jauer,  Silesia's  capital  to  shield. 

Meantime,  near  Prague,  a  living  ocean  heaves 
With  shining  arms  and  waving  flags  and  plumes, 
Hoarse  trumpets,  rattling  drums  and  neighing  steeds, 
And  in  the  midst,  three  kings  of  mighty  realms  : 
The  bristling  torrent  from  Bohemia  pours  ; 
St.  Cyr  beholds,  and  heralds  thrice  he  sends 
Napoleon  from  Silesia  to  recall, 
With  speed  retreats  before  th'  enormous  mass, 
And,  entering  Dresden,  waits  the  threaten'd  storm. 
Moreau  directs  the  way  each  chief  shall  guide 
His  myriads  to  the  fight.     Soon  the  vast  hosts 
Array'd  for  deadly  conflict,  sternly  wheel 
On  battle's  verge.     Like  gloomy,  rolling  clouds 
Driven  by  hoarse  blasts   with  heaven's  artillery  fraught, 
Portentous  darkness  casting  o'er  the  world, 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  465 

The  arm'd  hosts  seem  thick  hovering  round  the  town. 

Like  twice  ten  thousand  thunders,  bursting  loud 
From  heaven's  dark  batteries,  roar  the  guns  allied ; 
Thick  as  the  wintry  hail  descends  the  sky, 
An  iron  tempest  pours  on  Dresden's  walls 
And  van-redoubts.     Whence  France  the  storm  return'd  ; 
The  city,  fiery-niouth'd,  talk'd  deadly  tongue ; 
A  flood  of  ruin  on  th'  assailants  falls  ; 
Heaven  darker  grows  ;  earth  drinks  the  bloody  streams ; 
Red  Slaughter  banquets ;  Mars  infuriate  spreads 
Fearful  commotion  ;  screams  of  dying  men 
Thickening  arise  ;  Discord,  with  ghastly  smile, 
Glides  round  upon  a  cloud  of  angry  shapes, 
And  the  destruction  of  mankind  enjoys. 

In  front  the  Austrians  press  the  bulwarks  high, 
Tremendous  flaming  ;  soon  on  one  they  seiz'd ; 
But  quick  the  French  to  safer  post  retir'd 
Whence  they  pour'd  copious  ruin  on  the  foe, 
Who  slow  receded  from  his  deathful  prize. 

St.  Cyr  despairing  long  to  hold  the  town 
Against  the  raging  nations,  often  cast 
A  longing  eye  beyond  the  Elb  ;  at  length, 
He  sees  rush  o'er  the  bridge  th'  imperial  guard  ; 
High  midst  them  rode  the  lion-hearted  Chief ; 
With  lightning  eye,  and  thundering  voice,  he  storms, 
Directing,  urging  fast  the  panting  throng  ; 
He  throws  the  light  of  hope  on  Saxony's  King, 
O'er  whose  abode  Destruction  lifts  her  bolts, 
And  flies  t'  assail  the  foe  on  either  wing, 
Already  wounded  deep  by  shelter'd  France. 

Lo  !  the  check'd  enemy  !     Thus  to  Ney  he  calls, 
Make  instant  sortie  on  his  shatter 'd  left ; 
Lest  fast  approaching  night  should  give  him  chance 
T'  elude  our  vengeance,  and  escape  disgrace  : 
Go,  doubly  clad  in  terrors,  on  him  fall, 
Like  darkness  on  bewilder'd  traveller  lorn. 
Remember,  proper  union  to  maintain 
With  Dresden's  batteries  ;  nor  intemperate  rage, 
30 


466  POEMS    OF    THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN. 


seeming  flight  of  foes  efface  this  lore  : 
Excess  of  zeal  defeats  its  own  designs. 

Thus  he  ;  then  bids  Mortier,  by  Pirna's  gate 
Assail  the  enemy's  right  ;  but  still  rely 
On  Dresden's  shielding  thunder.     While  he  spoke, 
Through  Plauen's  gate  Ney  thirty  thousand  leads 
Along  the  ball-plough'd  field,  and  like  swift  floods 
Against  the  nations  rush'd,  destroying  wide, 
First,  big  with  death,  their  levell'd  muskets  burn'd  ; 
Then,  closing  on  the  adverse  host,  dread  strife 
Began  ;  arms  bray'd  on  arms  ;  dire  tumult  rose  ; 
Bayonet  on  bayonet  clash'd,  seeking  sad  sheath 
In  warriors'  hearts  ;  and  soon  th'  allies  gave  way  : 
As  a  wide  sea  of  clouds  along  the  horizon  spread, 
Pierc'd  by  resistless  tempests,  scatter'd  rolls 
In  troubled  grandeur  on  the  lofty  air, 
Disorder'd  and  confounded,  they  swift  wheePd 
From  the  close  terrors  ;  France  amain  pursues, 
Scattering  destruction  ;  and  now  fatal  rout 
Had  waited  the  leagu'd  powers  ;  but  Maurice  bold 
Resum'd  the  combat  ;  stopp'd  the  hurtful  flight, 
And  firm  withstood  th'  attack  of  furious  France, 
Till  nigress  night  began  her  friendly  reign. 

Gaul  slumbers  on  the  bloody  field,  tillmorn 
Look'd  sullen  through  the  water-pouring  skies, 
O'ercast  with  darkening  clouds,  and  black  with  storm. 
Big  floods  of  rain  oppress'  d  the  warring  powers  ; 
A  howling  tempest  swept  along  the  world  ; 
Yet  Gaul's  high  sovereign  wills  the  flames  of  fight 
Shall  not  decay.     He  deems  the  host  allied, 
That  late  gigantic  durst  his  bulwark  storm, 
Will  fly  confounded  from  his  waken'd  rage  ; 
And  thus  addresses  his  assembled  chiefs  : 

Marshals,  th'  audacious  foe  completely  foil'd 
And  hurried  by  plain  argument  far  off 
The  field  he  sought,  still  blushing  with  his  gore, 
Behooves  us  to  pursue  the  great  success, 
And  by  one  noble  stroke  conclude  the  war. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  467 

Methinks  ye  say,  why  take  the  equal  field 
Against  who  late  seem'd  stronger  thrice  than  we  ? 
Know,  if  superior  numbers  aid  their  cause, 
We  have  superior  valor.     Flush'd  with  joy 
Of  recent  victory,  can  mere  thousands  rout 
Our  heroes  ?    If  repuls'd,  we  have  this  shield. 
With  everything  to  gain,  at  little  risk, 
Fortune  invites  us  to  th'  important  fray. 
Let  our  wing'd  thunderers,  from  positions  bold, 
O'erwhelm  the  enemy  with  resistless  force, 
Our  lighter  arms  swift  seconding  their  blows. 
My  genius  shall  attend  on  every  side. 
Go,  end  in  victory  this  tempestuous  day. 

Thus  he  ;  then  on  their  weaker  points  directs 
Each  column  'gainst  th'  allies,  from  Strehlen's  heights 
To  Plauen's,  issuing  fast  from  Dresden's  gates 
With  standards  billowing  on  the  violent  wind. 
A  thousand  drums  and  trumpets  hoarse  resound, 
That  draw  the  mind  from  gusts  and  chilling  showers. 
In  squadrons  lofty  coursers  prance  along, 
The  trampled  field  o'ershading,  like  dun  clouds 
Tumultuous  hurried  through  th'  aerial  hall. 
Th'  assembled  nations  swift  prepare  to  meet 
The  coming  tempest.     Monarchs  anxious  view 
The  broad  plain  darkening  with  th'  assailing  host. 
Alas  !  they  cry,  what  wo  betides  us  now  ! 
What  daring  scheme  Napoleon's  mind  employs 
To  wreck  our  armies  !  these  superior  far 
Are  enervated  by  abortive  strife. 
O  Sovereign  Jove,  forget  not  Monarchs'  prayers  ; 
!Nor  doom  our  kingdoms  to  be  rul'd  by  France  ! 
Must  revolution's  terrors  on  death's  wings 
Pursue  us  all  our  days  ;  while  millions  mourn  ; 
While  nature's  face  a  drearier  aspect  wears  ; 
Ev'n  God's  own  works  are  marr'd  by  human  pride  ! 

Soon  o'er  the  ample  field  th'  artillery  roars  ; 
An  iron  tempest  falls  on  either  host, 
And  ghastly  slaughter  grows.     Discord  elate 


468  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEST. 

Flies  to  and  fro  amidst  the  stormy  scene, 

And  swells  the  fury  of  contention's  fires. 

The  bleeding  conflict,  rob'd  in  smoke  and  flames, 

Incessant  thunder'd  all  the  dreadful  day, 

Thousands  on  thousands  to  dark  Hades  hurl'd, 

And  heap'd  the  field  with  steeds  and  warriors  dead. 

And  thou,  Moreau,  while  with  the  Kussian  King 

Conversing,  heard'st  the  summons  of  the  grave. 

Sad  was  thy  fall ;  lamented  was  thy  doom  ; 

It  cast  deep  sorrow  o'er  the  federate  kings  ; 

Their  brighter  star  seem'd  snatch'd  from  hope's  fair  heaven, 

Where  cold  the  blast  of  disappointment  blew  ; 

For  much  had  they  depended  on  thy  skill, 

And  evil  influence  o'er  the  mob  of  Gaul. 

As  Sol  was  gliding  down  the  western  skies, 
Napoleon  thus  Murat  commands  :  Behold 
The  enemy's  left,  where  Austria's  forces  war, 
By  Plauen's  vale  are  separate  from  the  main  ; 
Against  them  lead  thy  cavalry,  fury-wing'd, 
"While  I  assist  thee,  by  manoeuvring  well 
On  this  rent  centre,  and  decide  the  strife. 

Thus  he  ;  Murat  his  ardent  squadrons  leads 
With  headlong  expedition  on  the  foe. 
As  surges  swelling  under  angry  storm 
Fall  foaming  from  mid  heaven  on  rocky  shores, 
With  dreadful  clangor  rush  the  squadrons  bold 
On  Austria's  bands.     As  flexile  corn,  assail'd 
By  mighty  tempests,  bends,  and  breaks,  and  sighs, 
The  Austrians  yield  before  the  onset  dire. 
Loud  screams  and  groans  succeed  ;  wild  disarray, 
And  unavailing  flight ;  for  myriads  quit 
Their  frustrate  arms,  and  prisoners  leave  the  field. 

Napoleon  eager  to  secure  the  spoil 
Yandamme  past  Pirna  urg'd.     The  nations  saw 
Th'  ominous  movement ;  Fear  her  banner  wav'd 
Above  the  host,  foul  signal  of  retreat ; 
Nor  more  th'  allies  of  high  dominion  dream'd, 
But  personal  safety,  and  swift  flight  began 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  469 

Through  fields,  and  woods,  in  unfrequented  paths, 
O'er  prostrate  fences,  and  down  steep  descents  ; 
For  Gaul  on  Pirna  and  on  Plauen  stood, 
Both  wings  victorious,  holding  each  highway  : 
Great  monarchs,  marshals,  squires  and  soldiers  fled 
Her  fiery  face  in  wild  uproar,  nor  stopp'd 
"When  darkness  settled  on  the  stormy  sphere. 
But  fled  through  darkness,  tangled  thickets  wild, 
Deep  miry  vales,  and  chilling  rain,  till  morn, 
With  cheerless  aspect,  greets  their  weary  eyes  ; 
Then  Osterman  beholds  Yandamme  behind, 
From  the  high  ground  of  Peterswald,  descend 
The  vale  of  Culm,  and  he,  oblig'd  to  brave 
That  marshal's  tiger  fury,  or  expose 
Toplitz,  that  lies  beyond,  with  all  the  kings, 
To  capture.     Straight  on  fight  resolv'd, 
He  passes  Culm,  close  follow'd  by  his  foe, 
Approaches  near  Toplitz,  and  sudden  turns, 
Like  boar  at  bay,  and  pours  a  furious  blast, 
Bold  earning  Victory's  favors,  faces  death, 
Excites  the  guard  :  For  by  the  heavens  !  he  cries, 
There  stands  our  father,  yonder  come  his  foes. 
Shall  we,  his  sons,  his  guard,  his  favor'd  band, 
Prove  recreant  in  this  hour  ?     O  if  you  lose 
The  memory  of  your  bleeding  country's  wrongs, 
Th'  examples  of  devotion  that  she  boasts, 
The  sacrifice  of  Moscow,  all  her  tears 
And  cries  for"  vengeance,  still,  regard  yourselves  ; 
Soil  not  the  glorious  title  that  we  bear ; 
ISTor  let  the  world,  with  scornful  finger,  say, 
There  goes  the  guard  on  which  their  sire  relied  : 
Their  shameful  conduct  clos'd  his  life  in  chains  ! 
Thus  he  ;  and  motionless,  the  listening  powers 
Look'd  stern  defiance  through  the  thickening  storm. 
Yandamme  makes  dreadful  onset ;  like  wild  waves 
Thundering  on  rocks,  his  army  moves  ;  as  rocks 
Meet  boisterous  waves,  the  Russians  breast  the  surge 
Loud,  fierce  and  deadly  ;  corps  succeeding  corps, 


470  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENEST. 

From  Peterswald  moves  darkening  all  the  vale, 
And  breaks,  in  thunder,  on  the  Kussian  shield  ; 
That,  like  a  mountain,  midst  tempestuous  storms 
"Which  shiver  giant  rocks,  and  oaks,  stands  firm, 
"What  lives,  though  scath'd  and  torn,  and  dripping  gore. 
Where  reel'd  the  fight,  brave  Osterman  was  seen, 
Exhorting,  threatening,  urging  on  reserves  : 
In  greeting  fierce  Mars  snatched  away  his  arm, 
That  bleeding  flew  along  the  darkening  heaven. 
Just  then  De  Tolly  reinforcements  brought, 
And  Schwartzenberg  dispatch'd  essential  aid  ; 
Still  undecided  raged  the  fearful  fray. 
Kind  night,  at  length,  a  starless  banner  wav'd, 
Earth  ceas'd  to  tremble  at  the  battle's  voice, 
And  silence  o'er  Bohemia's  mountains  reign'd. 

Now,  now,  Yandamme,  reflect,  Napoleon  bade 
Thee  pass  not  Peterswald  ;  thy  steps  retrace, 
"While  darkness  calms  the  stormy  sea  of  war. 
Seek  not  to  mend  what  loftier  genius  fram'd  ; 
But,  ah  !  'tis  thine  to  give  another  proof, 
That  he,  who  deals  with  evil,  feels  her  fangs : 
Thy  Emperor  soon  shall  curse  the  luckless  hour 
Thy  vice  or  folly  could  his  fate  control ; 
For  morn  and  danger  overtook  the  French 
In  that  forbidden  vale  :  Superior  force, 
Led  on  by  Schwartzenberg,  compell'd  their  flight 
Towards  Peterswald ;  but  Kliest,  (escap'd  St.  Cyr 
Through  Schoenwald's  woods,)  advancing  from  that  town, 
Believ'd  them  bent  to  intercept  his  flight : 
The  powers  of  France,  too,  deem'd  he  them  waylaid : 
Each  nation  quick  resolv'd  to  force  a  path 
Through  th'  other,  onward  plunging  in  despair ; 
Both  striving  to  retreat ;  but  Kliest,  at  length, 
Sees  Austrian  armies  press  the  Gallic  rear, 
And  tries  no  more  to  fly,  but  seize  the  prize : 
Yandamme  and  twice  four  thousand,  with  his  park, 
Are  captur'd,  and  his  host,  disbanded,  fled. 
Thus  was  dissolv'd  the  net  Napoleon  cast 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  4:71 

To  sieze  tli'  advantages  of  Dresden's  field. 
So  fate  ordain'd ;  for  when  he  left  her  walls 
To  aid  Vandamme  and  take  the  federate  kings, 
His  countenance  glowing  with  the  light  of  joy, 
Disease  with  hasty  fury  on  him  threw 
Her  withering  venom  ;  sudden  dimness  veil'd 
His  eyes  high  prone  ;  life's  vigor  ebb'd  away ; 
On  the  dark  verge  of  death  his  senses  reel'd  ; 
The  routed  nations,  the  whole  world  he  lost. 
Borne  back  to  Dresden  on  the  bed  of  pain, 
Three  days  he  suffer'd  heedless  of  events, 
"While  fled  th'  allies  and  swept  the  French  before. 

Meantime  Silesia  witness'd  dreadful  fields  : 
There  Blucher  on  McDonald  drove  war's  storm, 
Who,  girt  by  foes,  and  Bober's  raging  flood, 
Lost  ninety  thunderers,  twice  seven  thousand  troops. 
While  Bernadotte  brave  Oudinot  o'ercome  : 
Gross  Beeren  witness'd  that  tremendous  fray, 
Just  as  the  fervid  Sun  in  Virgo  blaz'd. 
When  thence  the  life  of  worlds  the  fifth  day  gave, 
And  at  the  moment  Gaul  from  Dresden  flam'd, 
Girard  endur'd  like  fate ;  the  venturous  Swedes 
Dispers'd  his  legions  with  destructive  rage, 
While  Belzig  blush'd  with  gore  of  slaughter'd  men. 
Next  Dennewitz,  the  shock  of  armies  views  ; 
There  Sweden's  prince  foils  Ney ;  ten  thousand  men 
And  forty  guns  are  lost ;  the  field  is  strew'd 
With  human  ruins,  wither'd,  pale  in  death, 
Crush'd  by  the  iron  feet  of  cruel  war  ; 
So  flowers,  by  steeds  proud  bounding  o'er  lawn, 
Broke  from  their  vital  roots,  shrink,  fade  and  die. 

Zehista  next  attested  mortal  fight, 
And  Dohna's  turrets  smok'd  with  iron  showers ; 
Thence  Wittgenstein  retreated.     Gaul  pursues, 
Led  by  her  Emperor  (just  escap'd  disease,) 
To  Peterswald.     Soon  Culm  again  surveys 
Contending  armies,  and  sad  havoc  spread ; 
There  Coleredo  with  his  Austrians  bears 


472  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES 

The  brunt  of  combat,  and  his  army  leads 
To  safety  from  Destruction's  closing  jaws. 

Next  Altenburg  saw  Cossack  battle  burn  : 
There  Platoff  on  Lefebre  warr'd ;  their  steeds, 
Like  meeting  whirlwinds,  mingled  in  wild  fray, 
And  with  their  warriors  strew'd  the  slippery  plain — 
France  met  defeat,  and  flew  the  mournful  field. 
Bledin  the  while  was  shock'd  by  iron  storm  ; 
DeYork  and  Blucher  there  against  Bertrand 
Destruction  pour'd,  and  France  was  doom'd  to  yield  ; 
At  Mockern,  too,  where  Langeron,  St.  Priest, 
And  Blucher  warr'd  on  Key,  Bertrand,  Marmont, 
Who  fled  sore  beaten  o'er  the  Parthian  stream. 
Thrice  Blucher  tempted,  and  thrice  Wittgenstein 
Napoleon's  onset,  and  as  oft  pursued 
Moreau's  advice,  and  shunn'd  the  fatal  blow. 
His  rear  now  threaten'd,  he  from  Dresden  moves, 
Leaving  St.  Cyr  th'  important  town  to  hold  ; 
On  Pleisse  concentrates  his  shatter 'd  hosts  : 
His  foes  in  combination  on  him  press, 
Moving  towards  Leipsic,  and  to  Europe's  doom, 
"With  giant  armies,  lately  reinforc'd 
With  three  score  thousand,  by  Beningsen  led ; 
Midst  these  were  Tartars,  e'en  from  China's  wall, 
And  Baskirs,  clad  in  skins,  with  arrows  arm'd, 
Drawn  in  war's  vortex  from  their  distant  wilds. 

Twice  twelve  times  had  the  sun  in  Libra  shone, 
When  Europe's  banded  powers  round  Leipsic  throng'd ; 
They  cover'd  earth,  as  forests,  seen  from  peaks 
Of  Caucasus,  or  Alleghany  high, 
With  limbs  light  waving  to  the  summer  breeze. 
What  pity  such  vast  numbers  should  contend ! 
Celestial  Wisdom  calls  the  world  to  peace ; 
But  few,  a  mourning  few,  attend  her  voice. 
Oh  !  mighty  Jove,  fast  hasten  that  glad  time, 
When  war  shall  end,  and  Justice  rule  mankind, 
All  tyranny  and  fraud  to  hell  remov'd, 
And  human  hearts  no  more  to  evil  prone. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  4-73 

Half  circling  Leipsic  stands  Napoleon's  host, 
Each  wing  on  Pleisse's  stream  that  laves  her  walls, 
His  centre  on  Probstheyda.     In  his  front 
Bristled  the  conjunct  force  of  mighty  states, 
Outnumbering  twice  his  own  ;  in  various  robes, 
With  standards  waving  proud.     At  early  dawn 
He  leads  the  giant  battle,  big  with  fate, 
And  hopes  to  rout  the  hosts  in  front  before 
The  Swede  and  Blucher  on  his  left  will  fall ; 
"Whose  coming,  rockets,  in  the  nightly  sky 
Red  streaming,  told,  answering  the  silvery  glare 
Of  signals  from  the  neighboring  camp  upthrown. 
A  thousand  raging  thunderers  earth  alarm, 
As  when  the  hand  of  Jove  hurls  angry  day 
Of  quivering  bolts,  red  hissing  o'er  her  realms : 
An  iron  tempest  rends  the  darkening  air ; 
Long  lines  fall  groaning  on  the  trembling  ground, 
And  crimson  streams  roll,  smoking,  o'er  the  plains. 
Through  Pleisse's  marshes,  Mehrfeldt's  legions  wade ; 
On  Markleberg  Kliest  pours  a  deadly  storm  : 
The  Gallic  right  here  reels  ;  the  Polish  Prince, 
By  Souham  aided,  from  the  left  recall'd, 
The  man-devouring  tempest  fierce  returns, 
Drives  from  the  shatter'd  town  the  Prussian  host, 
Assails  Mehrfeldt  in  flank,  and  him  secures. 

Wirtemberg's  Prince  fought  Victor  at  Wachau ; 
Klenau  on  Lauriston  at  Liebert  flam'd  ; 
Thither,  six  times,  th'  allies  like  furious  floods 
Impetuous  dash'd  ;  as  oft  they  backward  roll'd, 
Like  surges  from  the  wind-tost  ocean's  shore. 
Napoleon  noting  well  the  pulse  of  fight, 
And  where  the  tide  of  courage  ebbs  and  flows, 
Bids  sage  McDonald  sweep  Klenau  away, 
Lauriston  aids,  and  bids  him  swift  advance, 
And  break  the  enemy's  centre,  weary  grown 
"With  efforts  vain.     Straight  forward  rush  his  powers. 
And  soon  on  G-ossa  rolls  the  thickening  fray  ; 
The  Emperor's  genius  on  the  tempest  rides, 


POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENLN". 

His  armies  moving  with  resistless  force : 
As  day's  bright  orb  illumes  the  worlds  around, 
Their  course  directs,  and  animates  their  soil, 
So  he  enlightened,  with  new  strength  inspir'd, 
And  rul'd  his  host.     On  all  sides  now  ascends 
The  thundering  voice  of  battle.     Muskets  burn, 
Thrice  ninety  thousand  in  one  deafening  peal, 
Effusing  flames  and  smoke  and  leaden  showers; 
O'er  many  a  league  the  march  of  death  resound. 
E'en  while  from  Gossa  vanquish'd  Russia  flies 
From  Gaul's  advancing  centre,  busy  Mars, 
At  Blucher's  furious  onset,  startled  turns  ; 
He  on  Marmont,  with  thrice  his  numbers,  falls  : 
The  Gallic  left  can  scarce  withstand  his  blows  ; 
Swift  breathless  heralds,  from  Ragusa,  claim 
That  Souham's  forces  to  his  aid  return  ; 
But  these  were  fiercely  warring  on  the  right, 
Where  Poniatowsky  hardly  held  his  ground 
Against  Bianchi,  and  the  Austrian  host. 
The  while,  Napoleon  bids  Murat  assail 
The  broken  forces  just  from  Gossa  hurl'd. 
The  King  of  Naples  his  fleet  powers  arrays  ; 
They  fly  like  whirlwinds,  wheeling  at  his  call ; 
Himself  in  front,  intent  on  victory's  palms, 
Careers  sublime  by  peerless  valor  fir'd. 
O'er  all  his  host,  conspicuous,  bright  with  gold, 
His  brows  o'ershaded  with  a  snowy  plume, 
High  nodding,  like  the  foam  on  troubled  waves, 
He  rides  upon  the  foremost  surge  of  war, 
And  leads  his  squadrons  headlong  on  the  foe, 
Scattering  in  storm  his  serried  files  ;  as  floods 
Swift  down  Niagara's  cataract  thundering  hoarse 
Dash  from  their  path  the  foamy  tide  below  ; 
While  flash  the  water's  lightnings  through  the  rising  mist, 
And  from  the  streaming  column  bound  the  boiling  waves. 
Maubourg  and  Kellerman  like  ardor  moves  ; 
With  grenadiers  reserv'd,  Rajefsky  seeks 
To  stop  their  progress ;  but  they  o'er  him  drive, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  475 

To  Magdeburg  advancing.     Russia's  King 
Observes  them  now  disordered  by  success, 
And  bids  his  guard  attack  :  While  Leipsic's  bells 
Proclaimed  th'  advantage  brief,  his  Cossacks  charg'd : 
Then  horrid  Discord  rag'd ;  tremendous  sounds 
Of  arms  loud  clashing,  screams  of  fallen  men, 
Low  trampled  by  steel'd  hoofs,  extended  wide  ; 
Though  furious,  disunited  France  oppos'd  ; 
Her  broken  clouds  to  Gossa's  heights  return'd 
Before  the  Cossack  blast ;  condensing  there, 
Beneath  the  sheltering  thunder,  dark  she  lowers. 

While  Saxony's  King,  with  sounding  bells,  rejoic'd 
At  coming  victory,  Leipsic's  walks  were  strew'd 
With  wounded,  groaning  men,  and  blood,  and  tears  ; 
Tremendous  thunders  roar'd  from  Lindenau, 
That  hurl'd  an  iron  tempest  o'er  the  field, 
Fast  sweeping  the  leagued  armies  from  life's  stage ; 
Kleins chacher,  answering  loud  the  murderous  showers, 
On  France  a  man-destroying  torrent  hurl'd : 
But  sudden  now,  east,  south  and  north  he  hears 
The  voice  of  fight  with  tenfold  fury  rise  : 
That  drowns  the  sounds  of  joy  and  shakes  his  towers  : 
The  Gallic  left  reels  under  Blucher's  blows  : 
Torn  Mockern  to  superior  numbers  yields, 
With  twice  ten  thunderers,  twice  ten  hundred  men. 
On  all  the  warring  circle  wasteful  rage 
Labors  in  slaughter.     Fierce  on  G-ossa  fall 
Th'  impetuous  Russians,  like  rocks,  bounding  down 
Stupendous  mountains  craggy  vast  and  steep  ; 
As  rocks,  long  seated  in  some  woody  vale, 
Withstand  the  might  of  ponderous  rushing  floods, 
The  French  sustain  the  shock,  with  bayonets  red, 
Muskets  revers'd,  and  fierce  athletic  grasp. 
Then  swells  loud  tumult ;  hideous  Discord  storms 
In  wildest  fury  ;  darker  frowning,  Mars 
Shoots  round  the  field,  and  fiery  tempests  breathes, 
Like  lightning,  burst  from  blackest  cloud  of  even. 
Impending  terrors  deck  his  stormy  brow ; 


476  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES   GENLN". 

His  hasty  glancing  eyes  infuriate  burn  ; 
While  laugh  hell's  demons  on  th'  infernal  main, 
And  ghost  of  warriors  glide  into  the  gloom, 
Where  winds  ne'er  rove,  nor  light  nor  sound  invades. 

Blood  and  disparted  limbs  round  Gossa  roll'd  : 
Thence  thrice  the  French,  the  Russians  thrice  were  driven, 
With  shouts,  the  clash  of  arms  and  cannon's  roar. 
When  taming  darkness  hush'd  the  battle's  voice, 
Fortune  with  Russia  left  the  gory  prize. 

The  while,  on  thundering  Lindenau  a  host 
Was  led,  but  Gaul  repell'd.     Her  voltigeurs 
Pour'd  copious  ruin  on  th'  advancing  mass : 
From  tree  to  tree,  from  shield  to  shield  they  sped, 
Their  arms  disploding  with  incessant  blaze. 
The  leaden  tempest,  beating  on  th'  allies, 
Compell'd  them  soon  to  fly  the  face  of  France, 
And  answering  bolts  from  shielding  heights  discharge. 

Now  Phoebus  drives  beyond  th'  Atlantic  waves, 
And  truce-imposing  night  broad  Europe  shades. 
The  hostile  myriads  quit  their  wicked  jar, 
Encamp  midst  gore,  and  kindle  fires  along 
Their  far  extended  lines.     Each  party  holds 
The  ground  he  cover'd  when  the  fight  began, 
Except  Marmont  is  nearer  Leipsic's  walls. 

The  morn  rose  sacred  to  the  sire  of  worlds ; 
Nor  will'd  the  warring  nations  to  profaue 
Its  sanctity  with  battle's  odious  din ; 
Though  much  they  toil'd,  preparing  to  contend. 
Gaul  look'd  for  peace,  th'  allies  for  Sweden's  prince, 
Whose  rockets,  blazing  on  the  nightly  air, 
His  presence  promis'd  ere  another  day. 

Mehrfeldt,  just  captur'd,  to  the  Austrian  King 
Napoleon  delegates  to  ask  a  truce ; 
The  same  Mehrfeldt,  who  erst  at  Austerlitz, 
On  Austria's  part,  solicited  kind  terms 
From  one  who  wielded  kingdom-crushing  power : 
'     Go,  says  Napoleon,  bid  your  Emperor  heed 
The  interests  of  his  child  :  Tell  him  we  yield 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  477 

To  all  the  terms  th'  allies  required  at  Prague : 
If  they  accord  the  truce  we  now  request, 
Forthwith  from  Germany  will  our  army  move. 
The  sire  and  husband's  interests  both  demand 
The  measure,  since  Bavaria  on  me  wars. 
To  circumstances  let  our  steps  conform. 
Mehrfeldt,  adieu !  when  on  my  part  you  ask 
An  armistice  of  the  emperors,  at  thy  voice, 
Doubtless,  wrill  many  a  recollection  rise ! 

The  Count  departs,  but  never  to  return : 
To  Sovereigns  less  accustom'd  to  success, 
Than  Austerlitz's  great  victor,  he  held  forth 
The  olive  branch,  tempting  what  might  exist 
Of  generous  nature  to  reciprocate, 
One  tithe  of  the  indulgence  he  had  given 
On  that  fam'd  field,  where  with  heroic  grace, 
He  spared  the  feelings  of  imperial  foes. 
He  wanted  no  permission  to  retreat ; 
For  on  him  still  the  hope  of  victory  blaz'd ; 
And  time  had  prov'd  the  things  conceded  worth 
Less  than  the  needful  price  of  their  defence. 

The  while  Deceit  forsakes  her  sombre  cave — 
On  gloomy  pinions  hurries  through  the  deep, 
"Which  opening  to  the  surface  gives  her  way, 
Where,  wrapt  in  silvery  clouds,  she  glides  along 
Swift  as  inclement  winter's  loudest  gales. 
The  bright  ey'd  sylphs  and  demons  round  her  throng 
Hevealing  actions  of  terrestrial  men ; 
But  sly  depart  her  presence  as  she  tends 
"Where  danger  frowns,  bordering  on  Fear's  domain. 
Still  on  through  darkening  air,  and  lowering  sky, 
Menac'd  by  surging  billows,  fares  the  queen, 
Her  veil  of  mist  blown  off  by  whistling  gusts, 
And  wings  stretch'd  on  the  fitful  blast  till  lost 
In  blackest  clouds,  with  heaviest  thunder  stor'd, 
Threatening  to  burst  and  set  the  heavens  on  fire : 
Here  she  loud  calls  :  What  being  rules  this  wild, 
Where  furious  winds  blows  adverse,  and  convolve 


478  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Such  frightful  ocean  of  electric  cloud, 
That  were  it  to  explode,  might  singe  high  heaven 
And  scatter  to  and  fro  earth's  rocky  hills  \ 
Hear,  thou  dark  spirit  of  the  midnight  storm, 
(Sure,  here  thou  dwell'st,)  bestow  some  kinder  blast, 
That  soon  shall  waft  me  from  this  dreary  plight 
To  rest's  calm  haven.     Or  thou,  eternal  Jove, 
Help  me  to  traverse  this  perplexing  gloom. 

Thus  spoke  she,  louder  than  the  roar  of  floods 
From  some  huge  continent's  bosom  pour'd,  that  mix 
And  thunder  down  a  craggy  steep,  in  foam, 
Shaking  the  mountains  round  ;  the  goblins  heard, 
And  groans. swell'd  on  the  murky  air  o'er  all  the  waste. 
Fear  at  the  sound,  with  all  her  haggard  train, 
Forsook  her  trembling  palace,  to  explore 
The  region  dark,  whence  came  the  wondrous  voice, 
Exclaiming  thus :  What  stranger  wanders  here 
Nor  calls  my  aid,  though  none  beside  me  holds 
This  stormy  reign  ?     Some  wretched  one,  I  ween, 
"Who  on  Hope's  lofty  summit  tottering  stands, 
And  dark  despair's  drear  wild  with  horror  views — 
Some  rash  adventurer  for  unlawful  prize, 
Who  finds  presumption's  fit  reward.     Thus  she  ; 
And  now  the  bursting  clouds  hurl'd  angry  day 
Of  thunderbolts,  red  hissing  o'er  her  main  ; 
Swift  rush'd  a  furious  tempest  on  the  waves, 
And  lash'd  them  foaming  to  the  blazing  skies ; 
On  a  fierce  quivering  bolt  Deceit  flew  down, 
Thrown  from  the  summit  of  the  roaring  clouds 
To  the  dark  bottom  of  the  sea  profound : 
Ascending  thence  she  spies  the  wild-ey'd  queen 
Beside  her  dome,  half  buried  in  the  flood, 
And  thus  bespeaks  her,  louder  than  the  storm ; 

O  sister,  what  great  perils  have  I  pass'd ! 
Lost  and  bewilder'd  in  a  night  of  clouds, 
Thou  might'st  have  heard  me  wail  my  evil  plight ; 
At  length  the  lightning  hurl'd  me  headlong  down 
The  dark  profundity  of  this  wild  main ; 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  479 

Just  from  its  lurid  vale,  thus  singed,  I  rise, 
After  short  durance  midst  the  whirlpools  there. 

But  now  brief  time  is  left  me ;  let  us  fly 
Towards  Leipsic,  and  thou  lead  the  shortest  way 
From  this  bleak  waste  ;  for  now  methinks  Gaul's  chief 
Admits  thy  presence.     In  Silesia  late 
He  triumph'd  o'er  the  nations ;  and  by  pride 
Of  victory  spurn'd  their  offers  of  repose  ; 
For  so  mankind  or  dup'd  or  not  believe. 
Now  hemm'd  round  Leipsic  by  superior  powers, 
His  sole  salvation  must  be  courage  vast, 
Sure  nought  but  superhuman  skill  can  save. 
He  always,  a*s  thou  know'st,  derides  thy  name : 
His  fickle  host  unnerve  and  take  revenge  ; 
Let  them  confounded  fly  the  nations'  rage, 
And  grant  insulting  pride  full  cause  to  mourn. 

Thus  she ;  and  thus  the  timorous  queen  replied  : 
I  heard  and  sought  thee  till  the  thunder  rag'd, 
And  threw  me  hither.     Glad  I  learn  thy  aim, 
And  quick  will  guide  thee  from  this  boisterous  wild ; 
But  though  that  hero  holds  my  name  in  scorn, 
He  erst  has  given  me  sway  o'er  Europe's  kings  ; 
These  too  begin  to  scoff  unhappy  Fear, 
Since  they  make  head  against  his  failing  arms, 
Perhaps  forgetful  of  my  favors  past : 
To  my  advice  the  German  monarchs  owe 
Their  present  power :  I  taught  them  to  repair 
The  faults  of  Yalor  with  persuasive  gold, 
And  from  the  victor  buy  the  sceptred  prize. 

Thus  she  ;  and  fix'd  her  steeds  to  cloudy  car ; 
Each  with  a  thousand  pinions  smote  the  air, 
And  look'd  for  terrors  with  a  thousand  eyes ; 
Each  eye,  as  sultry  Sirius,  brilliant  shone. 
High  on  the  dusky  wain  Deceit  and  Fear 
Together  sit ;  the  winged  monsters  fly 
Through  clouds  and  tempests  o'er  the  rolling  waves ; 
Before  them  Hope's  bright  star  exulting  shines, 
Through  fast  decreasing  darkness,  and  behind 


4:80  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN. 

The  storm,  in  lessening  murmurs,  dies  away. 

Ere  this  Intrigue  had  spread  her  radiant  wings 
For  Leipsic,  in  the  chill  nocturnal  gloom, 
And  there  explor'd  the  minds  of  Saxon  bands. 
As  high  o'er  Faucha  sat  the  fraudful  queen, 
Involv'd  in  clouds,  and  night  o'erspread  the  land, 
The  twain  approach'd  her ;  greeting  small  she  gave, 
Then  fast  them  shrouded  in  redoubled  night, 
And  thus  address'd  Deceit :  Kind  adjunct,  hail, 
So  much  desir'd !     I  will'd,  ere  long,  to  go 
To  earth's  far  end,  where  deep  in  caves  thou  dwell'st ; 
But  much  I  dreaded  that  bewildering  gloom 
In  which  Fear  holds  her  watchful,  hapless  reign, 
For  travellers  oft  are  buried  in  its  night, 
And  driven  by  terrors  to  a  wretched  doom. 

"  Or  happy  state  that  well  repays  their  dread," 
Loud  interrupting  adds  the  timorous  queen. 
Then,  after  silence  brief,  Intrigue  resumes : 

Our  subtle  arts  may  now  successful  prove  : 
Napoleon  late  near  fortune's  slippery  verge 
Has  wander'd  rash,  scarce  able  to  sustain 
The  shock  of  hostile  nations.     Could  we  grant 
His  foe  more  might,  or  enervate  his  powers, 
Methinks  he  tumbles  from  his  wondrous  height, 
And  all  the  subject  nations  break  their  chains : 
E'en  war-sick  France  would  throw  him  from  her  breast 
For  were  he  in  this  battle  overthrown, 
Th'  allies  would  rush  resistless  o'er  his  realm, 
Like  ocean  when  he  bursts  some  lofty  shore, 
And  ponderous  thunders  o'er  devoted  plains, 
Swallowing  their  busy  tenants,  herds  and  men. 
Then  while  this  darkness  Europe's  continent  shades, 
(Time  opportune  t'  accomplish  dark  designs) 
Let  us  inspire  the  Saxon  bands  to  fly 
The  lines  of  France  on  morrow's  final  fray. 
They  occupy  important  station,  whence, 
When  fled,  th'  allies  must  be  victorious,  and 
Gaul's  daring  monarch  ne'er  subdue  them  more. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  481 

Already  I  have  on  their  leaders  wrought, 
Fearful  as  thou,  when  riding  the  red  bolts, 
That  grasping  hope's  lov'd  object  it  might  die. 
Their  views  accord  with  ours  :  they  say  long  strife 
"Will  waste  their  native  land ;  to  end  it  soon, 
And  to  Napoleon's  harm,  shall  be  their  aim, 
That  peace  revisit  their  unhappy  clime. 

Thus  she ;  Deceit  replies  :  O  much  lov'd  peer ! 
My  plight  long  past  has  perilous  been ;  the  dread 
Of  quick  detection  buried  me  in  gloom 
Pregnant  with  terrors,  whence  by  stormy  way 
I  came  with  Fear,  perhaps  with  useless  pains. 
'Tis  time  we  triumph'd  o'er  th'  imperial  chief, 
And  fate  seems  favoring  our  conceal 'd  desire. 
If  here  our  arts  prevail,  and  he  retreat, 
Far  better  game  in  France  we  soon  shall  play  ; 
As  unsuccessful  her  great  champion  grows, 
Her  friendship  wanes,  or  into  hatred  turns  ; 
In  him  will  reason  say  the  failure  lies, 
The  great  o'erruling  Providence  unknown, 
"Who  works  invisible  to  mortal  sight ; 
Exalts  and  prostrates  with  resistless  hand, 
While  mortals  with  erroneous  reasoning  jar 
To  learn  the  secret  cause.     They  seldom  know 
Our  devious  courses — tools  of  passions  strong, 
That,  as  th'  inconstant  tempests  drive  the  clouds, 
Impel  them,  darkling  onward  to  their  fate, 
As  Providence  directs,  mysterious  art  of  God  ! 

She  ended  ;  to  the  Saxon  troops  they  fly 
And  them  determine  to  desert  the  French 
By  hopeful  lures  and  moving  eloquence. 
Through  all  the  hosts  the  triune  secret  walk'd, 
Exploring  where  their  fatal  rule  obtain'd. 

And  now  Aurora  sprinkled  o'er  the  world 
Her  golden  radiance — source  of  life  and  joy — 
By  man  perverted  to  discern  where  hosts 
On  hosts  may  readiest  wing  the  shafts  of  death. 

Loud  music  call'd  the  martial  bands  to  arms ; 
31 


482  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

The  wheeling  lines  were  fast  array'd  ;  frowning  they  stand 

In  iron  forests,  spread  o'er  many  a  league, 

Reflecting  Sol's  benignant  beams.     The  chiefs 

Prancing  sublime,  on  conscious  steeds,  mov'd  round 

The  gleaming  myriads.     Europe's  destiny  now 

Had  been  decided  by  the  conjunct  skill 

Of  Wittgenstein,  De  Tolly,  Bernadotte, 

Blucber  and  Schwartzenberg,  to  that  oppos'd 

Of  Gaul's  fam'd  Emperor ;  but  Intrigue  had  wove 

Her  doom  before.     Monarchs  spectators  stand 

Of  the  great  onset.     Half  mankind  await 

Th'  important  issue,  burden'd  with  suspense. 

Blucher  and  Sweden's  Prince  begin  the  fray  : 
Twice  eighty  thousand  on  the  left  of  Gaul 
Pour  fierce  and  terrible,  as  mountain  waves 
Dashing  on  ragged  shores  ;  Regnier,  Marmont 
And  ISTey,  with  sixty  thousand,  face  the  storm, 
Break  and  roll  back  the  flashing,  thundering  tide 
That  still  returns.     On  all  sides  battle  joins  ; 
Against  the  Gallic  right  all  Austria  pours  : 
Homberg,  Bianchi,  Colleredo  there, 
On  Poniatowski  withering  tempests  send  : 
His  valiant  Poles  an  equal  blast  return  ; 
The  broken  ranks  before  their  blows  recoil. 
De  Tolly,  "Wittgenstein  and  Kliest  assail 
The  centre  ;  on  Probstheyda  ponderous  falls 
All  Russia ;  Lauriston,  McDonald  there, 
With  Augernau  and  Victor,  breast  the  fight, 
Rending  the  warrior  clouds  with  deadly  arms. 
Behind,  on  Thonberg  high,  Napoleon  stands, 
Yiews  the  vast  field,  and  guides  the  growing  storm. 

"Now  fierce,  in  quivering  flames,  from  flank  to  flank 
Of  banded  myriads,  thundering  battle  rag'd  ; 
The  sounding  field,  besmear 'd  with  carnage,  groan' d, 
Quak'd  and  wept  crimson  tears  ;  omniverous  hiss'd 
The  iron  hail ;  loud  clash'd  ensanguin'd  steel, 
And  rushing  squadrons  ;  rav'd  devouring  War  : 
With  terror  plum'd,  midst  toiling  ranks  he  strode, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  483 

Discord  and  Death  beside  him ;  frightful  powers 
Of  devastation  !     Where  they  go,  distress, 
And  sorrow's  tears,  and  pale  dismay  attend  : 
Now  o'er  Stollentz  they  rage  ;  its  turrets  fall 
Beneath  the  rending  showers  ;  its  streets  are  strew'd 
With  wounded  mortals,  and  their  reeking  gore. 
Now  o'er  Probstheyda,  where  each  centre  storms 
With  deadly  fury  ;  now  o'er  Markleberg 
And  Poniatowski ;  Leipsic  trembling  sees 
The  dreadful  labor  ;  horrid  slaughter  swells, 
And  doleful  ruin  decks  the  shuddering  field. 
Sol  from  the  zenith  saw  th'  allies  on  Gaul 
Rush  and  recoil,  as  waves  from  some  rough  shore, 
The  rocky  remora  of  the  horrid  flood  ; 
But  now  o'er  Partha  Sweden's  Prince  advanc'd. 
Ney  from  the  stream  to  neighboring  heights  withdrew 
Th'  out-number'd  left,  and  took  position  strong 
In  vain.     Deceit  foil'd  Prudence ;  friendship's  guise 
Conceal'd  the  viper  sting  of  fraud  :  straightway 
Ten  thousand  Saxons  quit  the  cause  of  France, 
^ass  to  the  foe,  with  flags  of  truce  display'd  ; 
Who,  viewing  with  distrust  the  treacherous  troops, 
Conducts  them  to  the  rear,  and  turns  their  arms 
(That  half  the  day  had  roar'd  against  th'  allies) 
On  weaken'd  Gaul ;  Ney,  rushing  through  his  lines, 
While  scorn  and  anger  light  his  lofty  mein, 
Leads  on  reserves  the  fraudful  breach  to  close, 
And  loud  exclaims  :  Lo  !  treason !  Treachery  pours 
Its  hell  of  curses  on  yon  field  betray'd  ! 
Shall  France  effuse  her  choicest  blood  in  vain  ? 
Shall  meanness  blast  what  valor  has  achiev'd  ? 
Haste,  haste  your  isolated  brethren  call, 
Who  stand  on  Faucha  bleeding  ;  thither  pours 
The  hostile  tide.     Our  safety  bids  us  save 
Our  friends,  now  doubly  dear.     Thus  he,  in  vain  ; 
The  darkness  of  defeat  on  Faucha  lowers  ; 
The  Russians  triumph  :  thrice  ten  hundred  yield 
Their  liberty ;  their  comrades  swift  retreat ; 


484          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  Ney,  receding  fast,  contracts  again 

The  line  of  battle ;  posting  well  his  troops. 

Inflicts,  with  force  inferior,  staggering  blows  : 

With  one  to  four  the  dreadful  fight  maintains. 

At  times,  Napoleon  lends  him  needful  aid, 

Though  furious,  on  his  right  and  centre,  drive 

Two  mighty  nations.     O'er  the  stormy  scene 

He  casts  his  guardian  eye ;  his  soul  above 

The  great  commotion  looks  with  calmness  down, 

Like  the  mild  heaven  upon  a  troubled  world, 

And  props,  on  every  point,  the  wavering  fray. 

Heralds  careering  through  the  raging  storm, 

On  every  side  th'  imperial  will  reveal'd. 

Now  at  his  feet  a  thunderbolt  descends  ; 

High  Thonberg  startled,  trembles  ;  headlong  bursts 

O'er  whelming  myriads  through  Probstheyda  ;  Pirch 

And  Prince  Augustus  urge  the  fearful  flood, 

Sweeping  Gaul's  centre  backward,  shrieking  wild  ; 

The  clamor  swells  above  th'  artillery's  roar  : 

Napoleon  leaps  upon  his  fiery  steed  ; 

Stern  valor's  lightning  on  his  countenance  plays ; 

He  forms  his  guard — points  to  the  tumult  loud  : 

"  Advance  !  myself  shall  breast  yon  ruinous  tide ; 

'  Tis  ours  to  brace  the  faltering  battle  there, 

And  turn  the  flood  of  death  upon  the  foe." 

He  spoke  ;  in  gallop  rush'd  the  excited  guard, 
Following  th'  imperial  warrior  ;  breathing  storm, 
He  seem'd  the  thunder  travelling  o'er  the  field, 
Descended  from  his  cloud-encircled  throne, 
Tempestuous  conflict  round  him  raging  wild. 
Whole  armies  reel'd  before  his  rushing  force, 
That  seiz'd  with  bloody  triumph  the  red  ground, 
O'erstrown  with  ruins  of  the  brave  and  bold. 

Increasing  sounds  now  heard  from  either  wing 
He  leaves  the  warring  guard — up  Thonberg  speeds — 
Snatches  an  optic  tube,  and  instant  casts 
His  practis'd  eye  through  all  the  laboring  field 
With  confidence  the  reins  of  battle  holds  ; 


THE   JSTAPOLEAD.  485 

Nor  frowning  Fortune,  nor  unnumber'd  foes 
Can  damp  his  courage,  or  relax  his  powers. 

Sol  from  o'er  Andes  flam'd,  when  Langeron 
'  Gainst  Schonfeldt  led  his  legions.     As  strong  winds 
Rush  on  a  forest  wide  of  lofty  oaks, 
Rending  their  branching  tops,  and  sturdy  trunks, 
They  on  the  shatter'd  village  fall ;  brave  France 
The  heavy  shock  withstood  ;  wide  slaughtering  burn'd 
Her  loud  artillery  ;  deadly  muskets  showered 
Destruction  on  the  nations.     Terror  now, 
Flight  by  her  side,  outspread  her  gloomy  wings, 
Exerting  influence  cold.     They  own  her  reign, 
And  fly  Gaul's  fury  disarrayed  and  torn. 
Brave  Langeron  their  drooping  spirits  cheers  ; 
Renews  the  combat.     But  the  French  again 
Repel  th'  assault,  and  drive  them  as  the  winds 
Hurl  chaff  or  smoky  vapor  through  the  skies. 
This  Blucher  learning  thus  his  herald  bids  : 

Fly !  Langeron  inform,  it  is  my  hest, 
That  he  obtain  Schonfeldt  ere  night  begins  ; 
For  much  that  station  will  our  arms  avail. 

He  spoke  ;  the  herald  through  terrific  storm 
The  mandate  bears  ;  and  straight  the  war-worn  chief 
Darts,  like  a  meteor,  midst  his  broken  powers, 
Their  lines  arranging,  and  sub-chiefs  commands 
To  keep  their  fire  till  closing  on  the  foe  ; 
Then,  thundering,  onward,  with  the  bayonet  plunge. 

And  now,  impetuous,  midst  a  leaden  shower, 
Thick  falling,  as  the  hail  of  wintry  skies, 
Rush  the  bold  legions  to  the  fearful  field ; 
France,  with  redoubled  ardor,  on  them  pours 
Destruction  terrible,  but  not  repels  ; 
O'er  falling  thousands  brave  survivors  run  ; 
Soon,  in  close  combat,  flame  their  deadly  arms  ; 
France,  staggering,  meets  the  shock  ;  red  bayonets  clash  ; 
Men,  struggling,  grapple  men  in  horrid  strife  ; 
Disorder  wild  begins  ;  shouts,  dolorous  moans, 
And  frantic  screams  resound  ;  blood,  reeking,  glides, 


486  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  Havoc  rages  o'er  the  dusky  field. 
At  length,  the  French,  forc'd  step  by  step  away, 
Leave  the  torn  village,  and  the  nations  hold 
The  scene  of  conflict,  cumber'd  with  the  dead. 
Still  formidably  JSTey  the  left  defends  : 
Unhappy  Gaul,  most  valiantly  maintains 
Her  bloody  ground  ;  th'  allies,  deep  gored,  recoil 
Before  her  right  and  centre,  and  discharge 
Their  heaviest  arms,  in  distant  war,  till  night, 
In  sullen  state,  her  starry  wings  unfolds, 
Taming  the  murderous  rage  of  warring  hosts. 

Leipsic  scar'd  inmates  from  deep  cellars  rise, 
Or  from  high  domes  descend  and  mourn  their  plight 
With  famine,  conflagration,  butchery  near — 
The  wife  and  children  hang  upon  the  sire, 
And  he,  dismay'd,  can  lean  on  nought  but  Heaven. 
The  streets  are  strew'd  with  wounded  and  the  dead ; 
Fair  beardless  youths,  still  uttering  childhood's  cries, 
The  father's  hope,  the  mother's  pride,  forlorn, 
On  the  cold  stone,  in  chilling  darkness,  groan'd 
Their  gentle  souls  away.     Yictims  more  fair 
Were  never  crush'd  beneath  War's  gory  wheels  : 
With  hearts  of  men,  of  heroes,  they  had  crown'd 
With  mournful  glory  youthful  beauty's  brows, 
And  well  their  country's  lofty  valor  prov'd. 

JSTapoleon  to  the  troubled  town  retires — 
With  weary  mind  unnumber'd  orders  gives — 
To  bridge  the  streams,  defend  the  walls,  assist 
The  wretched  wounded,  and  his  troops  withdraw 
In  darkness  from  their  well  defended  ground. 
His  marshals  gather  round  him  covered  o'er 
With  dust  and  blood  ;  their  eyes  the  crisis  speak, 
And  anxious  turn  upon  th'  imperial  guide, 
Who  thus  begins  :  Retreat  is  now  decreed  : 
Unconquer'd  yet  unconquering  have  we  bled  : 
Mehrfeldt  and  Austria  give  me  hope  no  more  ; 
On  well  stor'd  Erfurt  we  direct  our  powers. 
Our  main  supplies  were  ordered  on  Torgau : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  487 

Our  ammunition,  near  exhausted,  but 

Two  hours  can  feed  the  battle's  fire ;  our  troops 

Want  bread  ;  Bavaria  threats  our  road.     'Tis  plain 

Another  day  must  not  behold  us  here, 

Thus  hemm'd  by  thrice  our  numbers  ;  but  we  scarce 

Can  half  our  forces  o'er  this  river  urge 

Ere  morn  on  Leipsic's  walls  will  bring  the  foe. 

You,  Poniatowski  and  McDonald,  have 

The  perilous  honor  to  protect  the  rear. 

May  not  your  corps  the  southern  suburb  guard  ? 

(He  asks  the  Polish  Prince,  who  thus  replies  :) 

Ah,  Sire,  few  soldiers  to  my  corps  remain  ; 
But  doubtless  we  will  hold  our  ground  ;  for  all 
Are  ready  in  their  country's  cause  to  die. 

From  midnight,  till  the  blushing  morn  disclos'd 
Th'  uncommon  movement,  pour'd  retreating  Gaul 
From  the  red  field,  through  Leipsic,  o'er  the  streams, 
Unharrass'd  by  the  foe  :  but  with  the  day 
On  Leipsic's  suburbs  rush'd  the  federate  powers. 
McDonald  on  the  north  the  town  defends  ; 
Poniatowski  on  the  south.     On  either  shield 
Fall  ponderous  strokes,  and  loud  the  battle  grows. 
Commotion  frightful,  heaven  convulsing  shouts 
On  all  sides  rise  ;  gigantic  Terror  frowns  ; 
The  volleyed  ruin  sweeps  whole  bands  away  ; 
Fall'n  thousands  writhe  beneath  the  laboring  war, 
And  wild  the  furies  of  the  conflict  rave. 
A  thousand  thunderers  roar'd  at  Leipsic's  walls 
That  shook  her  base  ;  her  reeling  turrets  burn'd, 
Glaring  on  Gaul  with  threatening  aspect  dire. 
Her  troops  thick  crowded  o'er  the  narrow  bridge, 
In  hideous  uproar,  like  tumultuous  floods 
Through  straiten'd  pass  loud  growling,  foaming  high. 

The  while,  the  Gallic  Emperor  Saxony's  King 
Releases  formally  from  th'  engagements  made 
With  France,  the  farewell  scene  was  sudden  clos'd 
By  peals  of  musketry,  that  loudly  told 
Th'  allies  had  forc'd  the  suburbs,  and  now  fought 


488          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENET. 

| 

From  house  to  house,  and  hand  to  hand  with  Gaul. 
The  anxious  Queen  and  King  besought  him  quick 
To  mount  his  steed  and  save  the  soul  of  realms  : 
Scarce  had  Napoleon  fled  the  war-rack'd  town 
When  in  it  rush'd  the  nations — on  they  came 
Like  torrent  waves  ;  no  time  was  left  their  foes — 
Cohfus'd  and  wild,  and  unprepar'd,  they  hied. 
Swift,  from  the  north,  along  the  river  press 
The  Swedes  and  Prussians  ;  from  the  south,  advance 
The  Austrians ;  from  the  east,  all  Eussia  drives  ; 
E'en  Saxony's  troops,  quick  shifting  sides,  discharge 
Their  arms  against  the  French  from  Leipsic's  walls  ; 
There  plac'd  to  aid  the  troops  they  now  annoy. 
Their  conduct  Blucher  thus  regards  with  scorn  : 

Lo  !  help  is  rife  when  weights  are  downward  roll'd. 
Conciliate  victors  by  a  treacherous  deed  ! 
A.  most  substantial  favor  to  our  cause, 
To  shoot  at  foes,  our  valor  made  to  fly  ! 

His  words  are  lost  in  sound  all  sounds  above, 
As  Heaven  and  Earth  had  met  in  dreadful  shock, 
Quaking  and  thundering.     In  the  clouds  up  hurl'd 
Flies  the  dense  peopled  bridge,  in  fragments  torn. 
The  crowds,  just  entering  on  the  vanish'd  road, 
Impell'd  by  pressing  masses,  far  behind, 
Long  time,  in  darkness  and  confusion,  fall 
Down  the  rough  precipice,  in  watery  graves. 
Some  twenty  thousand,  by  th'  untimely  blast, 
Are  captur'd  ;  others  try  to  cross  the  streams  : 
McDonald  plunges  in  th'  obstructing  waves, 
Swims  the  corse-laden  floods,  and  France  rejoins. 

Meantime  the  Polish  Prince,  near  Borna's  road 
Contending,  saw  him  midst  surrounding  foes, 
Hears  Pleisse's  bridge  untimely  blown  away, 
And  thus  exhorts  his  friends  :  Behold  our  plight ! 
Unhappier  far  than  if  we  strew'd  yon  field. 
Heavens  !  who  shall  view  me,  while  possess'd  of  life, 
And  while  our  country  is  not  quite  o'erthrown, 
Surrender'd  to  my  foes  ?    Hope,  Yalor  calls— 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  489 

Come,  with  the  lightning's  fury,  let  us  plunge 
Through  yon  obstructing  host,  and  make  retreat, 
Or  nobly  perish.     Though  oppress'd  with  wounds, 
Still  Cuirassiers,  what  yet  remains  of  me 
Shall  lead  the  desperate  onset ;  swift  advance, 
You  who  love  glory  more  than  shameful  life, 
And  emulate  your  long  victorious  Chief : 
If  we  succeed,  the  act  will  honor  give, 
And  if  we  fail,  in  great  endeavors  fail ; 
Our  friends  shall  never  blush  to  tell  the  deed. 
Nor  merit  leans  on  Fortune's  frowns  or  smiles  : 
In  dark  adversity  it  glorious  shines  ; 
Prosperity  gains  lustre  from  its  beams, 
And  on  it  Death  exerts  his  rage  in  vain. 

He  spoke — his  listening  warriors  look'd  applause  ; 
Superior  valor,  midst  them,  towering  burn'd  ; 
Their  eyes  reflected  Ifis  enlivening  light, 
With  bold  intention  fraught.     They  sudden  drive, 
With  fiery  steeds,  against  the  Russian  lines  ; 
Poniatowski  foremost  on  a  bristling  grove 
Of  shining  bayonets  rushes  in  a  shower 
Of  whizzing  bullets — drops  his  blasting  arm, 
Pierc'd  by  a  winged  death  in  thunder  hurPd — 
Still  onward  striving  with  his  valiant  band, 
He  gains  the  Pleisse,  plunges  in  its  waves, 
The  admiration  of  his  vanquish'd  foes ; 
For  much  he  seem'd  a  fiery  tempest  fled, 
The  winward  groves  in  smoking  ruins  laid. 
Hard  struggling  he  attains  the  farther  shore — 
His  faithful  steed  was  buried  in  the  waves  ; 
He  mounts  another,  to  the  Elster  hies, 
Its  banks  already  liii'd  with  swarming  foes, 
Down  the  deep  stream  he  dashes,  and  no  more 
Attains  its  surface  ;  fate  fast  binds  him  down 
In  watery  grave,  and  cold  he  slumbers  there. 
Illustrious  warrior  !  oft  shall  memory  dwell 
On  thy  great  actions.     Admiration  haunt 
Thy  glorious  life,  and  Elster  roll  in  fame, 


490  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

That  quench'd  thy  spirit  in  heroic  blaze. 

Fleet  Czernicheff,  with  Cossack  bands,  precedes 
The  flying  French  ;  their  scatter'd  host  assails  ; 
Each  bridge  removes,  and  fills  their  way  with  plagues. 
And  when  the  tenth  revolving  sun  beheld 
Their  dismal  flight,  in  strong  position,  Wrede 
At  Hanau  with  twice  thirty  thousand  arm'd, 
Their  homeward  course,  with  hop'd  success,  oppos'd  ; 
Yet  not  dejected,  their  great  Emperor  guides 
The  furious  onset,  rousing  thus  his  chiefs. 

We  fight  no  more  grandeur  ;  but  to  save 
The  relics  of  our  greatness,  the  remains 
Of  triumphs  brilliant.     Fortune's  evil  star 
Hath  shed  malignant  lustre  on  our  arms  ; 
She  hurls  us  from  that  height  to  which  we  rose 
Lur'd  by  her  smiles.     A  darker  cloud  impends 
The  nations  in  pursuit,  and  Wrede  before, 
To  fight  or  perish  is  our  doom.     Behold  ! 
Bavaria's  treachery,  and  vengeance  near  ! 
Though  sure  of  nought,  of  nothing  I  despair  : 
We  still  have  much  to  lose  and  much  to  gain  : 
Renown  shall  not  forsake  whom  Fortune  leaves  ; 
And  though  we  perish  glorious  be  our  fall. 
Then,  with  protended  bayonets,  each  his  train 
Against  th'  audacious  enemy  lead,  and  soon 
Our  might  shall  vanquish  his  obstructing  powers, 
And  France,  victorious,  cross  their  gory  bed. 
Fierce  on  his  right  begin  th'  important  fray ; 
Let  all  the  artillery  at  one  time  displode, 
And  when  the  field  is  wrapp'd  in  smoky  gloom, 
Swift,  with  our  heaviest  force,  his  left  assail ; 
Thither  the  torrent  of  the  conflict  pour — 
There,  bold  Lefevre,  with  your  cavalry  plunge  ; 
And  thither,  ]N"ey,  impel  thy  conquering  tide. 

He  ceas'd  ;  his  generals  quick  their  shatter'd  bands 
Array  for  fatal  fight ;  himself  sublime 
Along  their  front  strode  with  imperial  air, 
Infusing  in  his  host  heroic  fires  : 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  491 

Is  this  our  glory's  grave  (he  loud  exclaims), 

Approach  we  to  the  tomb  of  all  our  power  ! 

I  hope  in  you  no  funeral  train  is  led 

To  such  sad  burial.     Spread  your  banners  now  ! 

Your  friends  and  parents  stretch  their  pleading  hands, 

And  ask  their  safety  from  your  noble  deeds. 

Now,  now 's  the  time — yon  host  must  fly  our  arms, 

Or  we  abandon  France  and  all  her  joys. 

Be  firm,  your  country  sees — make  known  her  trust 

Is  not  in  cowards  ;  but  Marengo's  race. 

By  braving  death  you  drive  him  on  the  foe. 

Advance  !  the  victor  of  a  hundred  fields 

Shall  guide  your  rage  o'er  prostrate  legions  slain. 

He  said  ;  in  nitrous  clouds  and  iron  storm, 
They  rush  infuriate  on  Bavaria's  host ; 
Then  dire  the  din  of  warring  nations  rose, 
Flames,  furies,  terrors,  raging  through  the  field  ; 
Trees,  men  and  domes  in  mingled  ruins  fell, 
Torn  by  huge  iron  globes  in  tempest  hurl'd. 
The  ground  sad  groan 'd,  with  vital  fluid  stain'd. 
The  mountains  trembled  on  their  base  profound, 
And  shrieks  and  shouts  re-echo'd  through  the  skies. 
Long  time  fell  Havoc  triumph'd  ;  France,  at  length, 
Her  column-scattering  bayonets  dripping  gore, 
With  furious  might  dispers'd  th'  opposing  foe, 
Ten  thousand  of  whose  dead  bestrew'd  the  field, 
And  mov'd  on  sternly  o'er  the  sheltering  Khine. 


BOOK    XII. 


ANALYSIS. 

Napoleon,  inclining  to  peace,  struggles  with  Pride— is  reassured  by  Valor. 
At  the  suggestion  of  Policy  he  levies  three  hundred  thousand  men.  De 
claration  of  the  allies.  Address  to  the  Senate  and  reply.  Last  interview 
with  the  Empress.  Battles  of  Brienne  and  La  Rothiere.  Brief  notice  of 
events  to  the  time  of  his  taking  position  in  the  rear  of  the  allies.  Intrigue, 
seeing  this  step,  urges  Schwartzenberg  to  march  to  Paris  and  effect  a  revo 
lution,  and  detaches  Marmont  and  Augereau  from  Napoleon.  He  abdicates 
the  throne — takes  leave  of  his  guard,  and  departs  for  Elba  ;  on  his  way 
thither,  the  Deity,  at  the  prayer  of  Wisdom,  decrees  that  he  shall  reascend 
the  throne  of  France,  and  teach  the  world  the  folly  of  despair. 

FLED  from  the  wasteful  rage  of  Europe  arm'd 
Napoleon  in  his  Capital  appears. 
His  shatter'd  armies  on  the  Rhine  remain 
To  guard  th'  inviolable  soil  of  France. 
Freed  Holland's  orange  banner  waves  again  ; 
All  Germany  rejoices,  disenthraled : 
To  Rome  is  Pius,  Ferdinand  to  Spain 
Conducted  from  long  durance  :  Fetters  fall 
From  Kings  and  nations  :  Still  untam'd,  GauPs  Chief 
Prepares  to  smite  his  foes  on  every  side — 
Who,  dreading  much  his  skill  and  power,  propound 
To  own  him  King  of  France,  and  sheath  the  sword, 
Crimson'd  so  long  by  unexampled  strife. 

While  yet  he  meditates  with  wise  intent, 
Of  holding  sweet  communion  with  fair  Peace, 
Though  shorn  of  much  dominion,  Pride  begins  : 

Will  the  great  conqueror,  to  his  glory  blind, 
Relinquish  tamely  what  he  earn'd  so  well — 
Nor  boldly  seek  to  gain  that  dazzling  height, 
Whose  brightness  hides  the  woes  of  humbler  days  ? 
Though  peace  you  need  hold  Italy  and  the  Rhine, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  493 

For  thee  my  face  shall  then  no  blushes  wear. 

She  ceas'd ;  the  Emperor  answer'd :  Wouldst  thou  rule 
As  erst  in  Moscow  ?  Wisdom  there,  though  late, 
From  thy  disastrous  counsels  tried  to  save. 
Thy  sway  was  such  her  heavenly  voice  displeas'd ; 
Yet,  but  for  her,  Napoleon  had  no  more 
Directed  armies,  nor  his  France  beheld. 
Much  inauspicious  then  thy  presence  seems, 
Presage  of  ruin,  or  my  period  dark. 

None  is  so  great  but  he  may  bow  to  Jove, 
Rejoins  the  haughty  power,  and  upward  flies, 
Sweeps  through  the  murky  clouds.     Fame's  crystal  gates, 
In  music  opening,  through  the  shining  way, 
With  lofty  mien  and  graceful  step  she  moves  : 
Indignant  then  before  the  burning  throne 
She  loud  begins  :  Thou  Minister  of  Jove, 
Who  guid'st  his  lightnings,  grant  Napoleon  hurl 
Destruction  on  the  nations,  till  his  power 
Be  as  of  old,  or  they  th'  Italian  realm 

Resign  to  his  dominion.     Why  should  he, 

So  late  thy  favorite  feel  thy  direst  frown  ? 
Remit  thy  anger,  hear  a  great  man's  prayer 

Amidst  calamity ;  nor  hear  unmov'd ; 

Or  fear'st  thou  his  beneficence  to  man 

Will  rival  thine  ?    E'en  while  he  breasts  the  war 

Of  Europe's  Aristocracy  he  scans 

The  maze  of  politics,  and  Justice  arms 

With  ready  law ;  rears  sciences  and  arts, 

And  leads  Improvement  with  a  father's  care, 

O'er  every  obstacle,  through  all  his  reign. 

If  at  his  throne  thou  driv'st  the  tide  of  ill, 

And  doom'st  his  ruin,  O  direct  some  ball 

Through  his  bold  heart,  and  end  with  him  my  pain  ; 

Let  not  the  great  in  power,  the  grand  in  soul, 

See  meanness  on  his  noble  ruins  prey. 

Thus  she  ;  and  Yalor  thus,  with  scorn,  remark'd : 

Thy  mad  suggestion  suits  not  his  firm  mind  : 

True  greatness  trembles  not  at  Fortune's  frowns ; 


494:  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES   GENET. 

But  braves  life's  ills ;  Philosophy  divine, 
A  stranger  to  thy*  counsels,  is  its  guide. 
If  all  his  realm  be  faithful  to  his  cause, 
By  valorous  deeds  he  may  retain  his  power. 

He  spoke ;  meantime  the  many-color'd  dame, 
Arch  Policy,  the  Emperor  thus  address'd : 

Is  war  the  worst  of  ills  ?    Think,  ere  you  act, 
What  force  your  deeds  will  have  on  future  days, 
Their  tendency  and  virtue  :  Fickle  France 
Must,  like  a  child,  be  led  by  pleasing  toys, 
Or  drove  by  rod  severe.     Hard  is  the  task 
To  combat  Europe  ;  but  more  hard  to  hold 
The  reins  of  empire  on  a  tarnish'd  throne. 
If,  at  Manheim,  diplomacy  is  tried, 
Be  England's  naval  claims  in  question  brought. 
'  Tis  not  for  peace,  but  war,  thy  foes  would  treat : 
I  counsel,  then,  that  thou  new  armies  raise, 
And  put  in  vigorous  action  all  thy  means  : 
This  course  will  much  affect  th'  allies  ;  '  twill  show 
Twixt  thee  and  ruin  many  a  bloody  field. 

She  ceas'd — he  thus  :  By  what  is  now  propos'd, 
I  doubt  not  that  th'  allies  attempt  to  gain 
New  matter  for  objections  to  our  sway, 
And  make  us  odious  in  the  public  eye  ; 
For  kings  and  people,  most  inveterate  foes, 
Forget  their  jealousies  in  hate  to  me ; 
The  first,  adroit,  deceive,  to  make  the  last 
Against  their  champion  lift  ungrateful  hands. 
Yet,  such  is  our  desire  for  peace,  we  hope 
Though  met  to  trifle  they  will  serious  treat, 
As  France  imposing  attitude  assumes. 
Besides,  if  we  the  offer'd  bases  take, 
Th'  intended  manifesto  of  th'  allies 
Will  of  it's  main  foundation  be  depriv'd, 
On  which  to  blame  us  for  the  future  war ; 
These  give  to  France  the  Alps  and  Rhine  for  bounds 
I  readily  accept  them ;  nor  the  deed 
Shall  make  the  enemy  deem  we  feel  too  frail 


THE  NAPQLEAD.  495 

To  guard  what  he  agrees  we  may  retain, 

(Our  gathering  conscripts  such  belief  will  bar ;) 

But  show  the  world  our  wish  to  sheath  the  sword. 

He  spoke ;  to  arms  three  hundred  thousand  call'd 
Against  his  fate  in  great  attempts  to  strive. 
The  nations  then,  before  the  world,  declar'd, 
On  France  they  warr'd  not ;  but  against  the  power 
Which,  hapless  for  herself  and  half  mankind, 
Her  Chief  had  exercis'd  beyond  her  sphere ; 
Their  use  of  victory  was  to  offer  peace 
With  greater  power  than  erst  her  kings  possess'd, 
And  give  her  freedom,  as  to  Europe's  states ; 
For  they  desir'd  her  to  be  great  and  strong, 
A  mighty  link  in  th'  European  chain. 
To  equalise  the  strength  of  states,  that  France 
Might  not  afflict  them  more  with  wrar,  they  strove ; 
Nor,  till  that  end  was  gain'd,  would  quit  the  field. 

Thus  they  ;  then  with  vast  armies  cross  the  Rhine, 
The  while  Gaul's  chief  his  Senators  address'd : 

Exalted  late  by  victory,  future  times 
Wore  fairer  face  than  now :  False  friendship's  sting 
Has  made  our  triumphs  vain,  and  brought  us  here 
To  seek  resources  to  maintain  the  war. 
New  sacrifices  we  regret  to  ask 
Of  our  lov'd  people.     Wishing  to  repose, 
We  treat  on  bases,  offer'd  by  th'  allies, 
For  peace,  bliss  by  us  so  oft  conferr'd 
On  luckless  nations,  in  our  prosperous  days. 
If  this  should  fail '  twere  through  no  fault  of  France  ; 
Nor  she  defers  the  meeting  at  Manheim, 
Where  '  tis  propounded  to  compose  the  feud, 
Which  twelve  long  years  has  bath'd  the  world  in  gore. 
As  fortune  n'er  seduc'd  me  I  shall  prove 
Superior  to  adversity.     Our  arms, 
With  your  support,  may  still  resist  the  foe. 
Kings  I  enthron'd,  who  now  desert  our  cause. 
Denmark  and  Naples,  only,  faithful  hold, 
Of  our  allies.     How  much  depends  on  you ! 


496  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES    GENIN. 

Be  firm  and  active,  and  this  gathering  gloom 
"Will  fly  before  the  brilliance  of  our  deeds. 

Thus  he,  three  days  before  refulgent  Sol 
From  Capricornus  made  the  worlds  rejoice  ; 
He  quaffs  th'  all  healing  balm,  domestic  bliss 
Ten  days,  ere  thus  the  Senators  replied  : 

We  come  to  offer  tribute  of  our  love 
And  gratitude  to  whom  our  country  owes 
Her  proudest  days.     Thou  ample  pledge  hast  given 
Of  thy  desire  for  peace,  and  acted  from  belief, 
That  power  is  stronger,  limited  ;  that  kings 
Should  always  try  to  work  their  people's  good, 
And  first  in  toils,  as  first  in  honors,  stand. 

The  French,  united  under  thee,  will  not 
Permit  the  foe  to  triumph.     May  our  Emperor  strive 
"With  ardor,  worthy  his  exalted  name, 
To  conquer  peace,  and  sign  the  world's  repose ! 
With  martial  glory  sated,  France  beholds 
(Unhappy  laboring  on  this  troubled  sea) 
The  shore  of  peace,  with  longing  wistful  eyes. 
There,  in  thy  reign  she  hopes,  in  bliss  to  grow, 
And  with  her  steel  improve  the  fruitful  glebe. 

They  spoke.     The  Chief  rejoins :  While  peace  we  seek, 
The  foe  invades  Brabant,  Alsace,  and  Beam. 
Man's  bliss  is  all  my  prayer  :  My  heart  recoils 
From  scenes  before ;  but  firm  we  must  contend  : 
We  fight  for  safety,  not  for  conquests  lost. 

Events  now  loudly  call'd  him  to  the  field  : 
Invasion's  wave,  outspread  from  Marne  to  Seine, 
Towards  Paris  rolPd.     Victor,  Marmont,  Mortier, 
And  Ney,  with  fifty  thousand,  fled  before. 
The  rustic  population,  steeds  and  wains, 
Loaded  with  young  and  old,  in  terror  fly 
Th'  impending  danger.     Paris,  startled,  sees 
The  crowd,  and  learns  the  enemy  comes  so  strong, 
He  masks  the  frontier  fortresses,  and  moves 
O'erwhelmingly  towards  her  sacred  walls. 

The  Emperor  in  the  Marshals'  hall  convenes 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  497 

The  officers  that  rule  the  National  Guard. 
Amidst  them,  with  his  Empress,  and  his  son, 
Borne  on  the  nurse's  arms,  he  grave  appears 
Pale  with  the  cares  of  empire,  and  thus  speaks  : 

France  is  invaded  :  Forth  to  head  our  troops 
1  march — and  by  their  valor,  and  God's  aid, 
Beyond  our  frontier  hope  to  drive  the  foe : 
But  should  his  arms  approach  our  capital, 
The  town,  the  Empress,  and  the  King  of  Kome, 
My  wife  and  child,  I  to  your  care  confide. 
Act  well  your  part — my  own  shall  be  perform'd. 
He  spoke  with  feeling-shaken  voice,  and  tears 
Were  seen  to  course  on  rigid  faces  stern. 
And  having  ordered  all  things  for  defence, 
Louisa  regent  made,  and  Joseph  plac'd 
As  president  of  her  Council,  when  the  fifth 
Bright  morn  from  cold  Aquarius  spread  her  wings, 
He  bids  his  Empress  thus  a  last  adieu ; 
For  they  on  earth  were  doom'd  to  meet  no  more. 

I  go,  Louisa,  to  the  tented  field ; 
ISTot  as  of  yore :  oft  to  the  battle's  front 
I  now  must  rush  to  turn  the  tide  of  fate ; 
If  there  the  hand  of  Death  should  end  my  days, 
Let  France  accede  to  terms  th'  allies  propound, 
If  unabridg'd  they  leave  her  old  domain. 
With  me  the  bar  to  their  acceptance  dies, 
As  fail  the  means,  t'  enforce  her  present  claim. 
The  remnant  of  our  empire  sacred  keep, 
For  him  in  whom  our  mingled  graces  shine ; 
Be  him  thy  constant  care.     Take  counsel  oft 
Of  those  whose  fortune  011  thy  power  depends. 
Weigh  well  their  different  views  and  arguments, 
Which  understood,  perform  as  fits  thy  weal, 
With  due  dispatch,  and  in  the  fortunate  time. 
Step  not,  through  haste,  in  darkness ;  judgment  slow 
Is  yet  efficient — indecision  springs 
Of  thought  deferr'd,  or  unexerted  mind 
To  suit  th'  occasion,  not  the  steady  march 
32 


498          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN". 

Of  cautious  sense,  which  comes  to  firm  resolves. 
I  know  my  Empress  will  unceasing  pray 
For  my  ascendency,  although  her  sire 
Kules  hostile  hosts.     Prosperity  gives  friends, 
And  flatterers  vile,  adversity  them  tries ! 
"Winnows  the  chaff ;  one  that  withstands  her  gale 
Is  worth  a  world  of  those  she  blows  aw^ay. 
We  now  may  learn  on  whom  we  can  rely  : 
The  genuine  patriot  shines  in  trouble's  night : 
Carnot  and  others  have  assum'd  their  arms : 
The  Emperor's  foe  is  still  his  country's  friend, 
And  much  priz'd  Antwerp  to  his  care  is  given. 

Superior  to  misfortune  I  will  move, 
As  Sol  majestic  smiles  above  the  storm. 
Though  fate  deny  our  claim  may  we  deserve 
The  praise  of  fortitude !     My  part  well  done, 
I  yield  :  They  are  not  deem'd  unfortunate 
Who  cheerfully  resign  to  Heaven's  decrees, 
And  those  o'er  fortune  are  above  all  thrones. 

Our  foes  shall  purchase  at  no  common  price 
Our  overthrow,  though  less  our  force  than  theirs. 
Though  conquest  shun  my  sword,  I'll  win  renown ; 
Though  dies  the  sceptre,  still  the  man  survives, 
And  shows  his  greatness  needs  no  aid  of  power. 

The  Emperor  thus;  and  thus  his  queen  replies  : 
Belov'd  Napoleon  !  well  Louisa  knows 
Thy  mind  is  proof  against  misfortune's  storm. 
Even  now  1  view  thee  fallen  from  great  height — 
Yet  steadfast  in  good  purpose,  and  sublim'd 
By  valorous  hope.     What  boots  it  that  thou  gain, 
Or  lose  in  war  ?     Thy  merit  beams  the  same, 
Or  Fortune  frowns,  or  smiles  :  still  fame  attends 
Thy  various  plight,  and  still  the  world  admire. 
May  Heaven  dispose  our  offspring  to  pursue 
The  fame  his  parent  won,  that  sire  and  son, 
In  matchless  glory,  go  to  future  years. 
What  solace  thence  my  fading  days  would  know  ! 
What  kind  ideas  animate  my  shade 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  499 

Beyond  the  grave !     Though  that  dissolves  our  cares, 

O,  can  a  mother's  fondness  cease  to  burn  ! 

But  strange  commotion  must  the  world  endure, 

Resign'd  to  Ate  and  Erinnys  dire, 

If  chance  he  find  to  go  his  father's  ways  ; 

"Which  ward,  O  Heaven  !  and  give  the  nations  peace. 

Chief  him  direct  in  Lucien's  harmless  course, 

To  court  the  Muse,  to  give  the  canvas  life, 

And  woo  philosophy,  whose  sons  renown'd, 

In  undecaying  glory,  walk  with  time, 

Diffusing  virtue's  seeds  through  every  age. 

Sad  is  my  state,  but  taught  by  thee  to  bear, 
"With  humble  dignity  the  ills  of  life, 
I  will  not  grieve,  but  go  where  duty  calls — 
Protect  our  empire  and  its  hopeful  heir. 
Hard  are  the  duties  of  my  poyal  sire  ; 
Alas  !  the  Emperor,  not  the  father  wars 
On  his  Louisa's  lord.     Ill  fated  kings  ! 
Their  hearts  are  crush'd  by  national  interest's  wheels : 
I  see  the  sacrifice,  and  can  but  mourn. 

Remember  France  and  me,  nor  rush  on  death — 
It  ill  becomes  the  sovereign  thus  to  fall. 
Alas !  what  miseries  might  our  realm  o'erflow, 
If  thou  wast  dead  !  perhaps  destruction  come 
To  half  thy  labors,  and  the  stifled  tide 
Of  faction  burst  the  bounds  thy  genius  gave,    . 
With  ruin  fraught  to  all  thou  now  hold'st  dear ! 

Thus  the  fair  queen  ;  her  mighty  lord  imprest 
A  tender  kiss  upon  her  blooming  cheek, 
And,  bearing  battles,  sought  the  tented  field. 
It  seem'd  to  her  she  ne'er  should  see  him  more, 
And  dropp'd  some  tears,  as  from  her  presence  pass'd 
The  hero  breasting  Europe's  realms  in  arms. 

He  now  scarce  seventy  thousand  troops,  array'd, 
Though  thrice  that  number  of  his  foes  converg'd 
Toward  Paris :  on  the  invaders'  right,  where  rul'd 
Frederick's  great  pupil,  ere  thrice  Europe  bath'd 
In  day  and  night,  he  furious  onset  made, 


500          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Out  rushing  from  a  shadowy  forest's  gloom 

On  Brienne,  of  his  youthful  toils  the  scene, 

When  science'  starry  heights  he  scal'd.     Short  time 

Had  Blucher  for  escape ;  he  down  a  stair 

And  through  a  friendly  postern  led  his  steed. 

But  Alsufieif  the  sudden  shock  withstands : 

His  Russians,  bleeding,  breast  the  angry  blast, 

Midst  flaming  domes ;  while  Blucher  snatches  swift 

His  threaten 'd  army  from  the  man  of  fate; 

"Who,  compass' d  with  fierce  Cossacks,  hand  to  hand, 

For  life  and  empire  with  the  Scythians  fights 

That  boldly  charge  his  rear :  the  bolt  was  rais'd, 

Whose  stroke  had  laid  the  spirit  of  the  war ; 

But  thou,  Gourgaud,  with  Death,  unnerv'd  the  arm, 

That  imminent  o'er  the  fate  of  nations  hung. 

The  hapless  town  in  smouldering  ruins  lies — 

Lefevre  falls  in  everlasting  night — 

Brave  Blucher  to  Kothiere  his  host  withdraws ; 

While  thither  Schwartzenberg  approaches  fast, 

Warn'd  by  the  battle's  thunder.     Midst  the  fray 

Napoleon  marks  the  oak  beneath  whose  shade 

He  in  gay  youth  read  Tasso's  deathless  song — 

Ere  from  life's  humble  vale  his  glory's  sun 

Throne-withering  rose — before  imperial  cares, 

The  fate  of  millions,  labor'd  in  his  breast. 

When  morn  had  thrice  her  golden  splendor  shed, 
Th'  allies,  with  armiest  vast,  on  La  Rothiere 
For  battle  bristling,  thus  the  Prussian  chief 
Directs  the  nations  to  the  mighty  fray  : 

Lo !  thus  far  we  have  penetrated  France, 
Long  deem'd  invincible  ;  triumphant  long 
By  our  disunion ;  but  her  glory  fades ; 
Adversity's  drear  winter  kills  her  joys; 
She  gave  the  nations  to  detest  her  sway, 
Great  monarchs  their  pre-eminence  to  mourn, 
Till  lost  to  mutnal  jealousies  thevi  oin 
Determin'd  to  subdue  her  warrior  king. 

Hard  was  the  combat  which  destroy'd  his  power 


THE   NAPOLEAD. 


501 


Beyond  the  Rhine,  and  glorious  to  our  arms  ; 
More  glorious  will  it  be  to  crush  him  here. 
Much  will  he  strive  to  oppose  our  way ;  but  well 
Our  host  must  combat,  nor  their  laurels  stain, 
So  bravely  won  in  Leipsic's  bloody  field, 
Yon  steely  barrier,  to  our  course  opposed, 
Before  Sol's  farewell  gaze  skirts  night  with  gold 
Must  ruin'd  strew  the  field,  or  scatter'd  fly 
The  victor  terrors  of  our  raging  arms ! 

The  corps  of  Sacken  in  two  lines  will  move 
From  Trannes  towards  Brienne,  by  Dienville's  road  ; 
Part  towards  Rothiere  ;  the  force  of  Guilay  form 
Reserve  to  that,  and  Alsufieff  's  to  this ; 
The  Russian  guard  will  be  support  to  all, 
Plac'd  on  the  heights,  twixt  Trannes  and  Eclance ; 
From  which  the  Prince  of  Wirtemburg  will  march 
On  Chaumenil ;  there  from  a  wood  dislodge 
The  enemy's  force,  and  junction  form  with  Wrede, 
Who  thither  from  Doulevant  is  marching  fast 
Be  all  your  movements  rapid,  and  th'  attack 
Resistless  :  'tis  not  life,  but  victory  most  we  prize. 

Thus  spoke  the  chief;  his  mighty  forces  mov'd 
To  the  dread  onset.     France  held  La  Rothiere, 
Dienville,  Chaumoiit,  and  intermediate  plains. 
Here  first  the  combat  rag'd :  loud  roaring  guns 
Began  destruction ;  shelter'd  by  their  blows, 
"Wirtemburg's  Prince  impetuous  leads  his  host 
Against  the  French ;  the  French  fierce  battling  reel, 
Their  gleaming  arms  hoarse  bray,  besmear'd  with  gore, 
Laboring  in  slaughter ;  deadly  bullets  hiss  ; 
La  Gibrie  trembles  under  iron  showers ; 
"Wrapped  in  a  night  of  clouds  Mars  round  her  storms, 
And  Death  stalks  ghastly  through  her  shatter'd  paths. 
At  length  Mortier,  high  coursing  midst  the  war, 
Turn'd  his  torn  bands  against  the  rushing  foe : 
Loud  ring  their  arms  ;  musket  on  musket  breaks, 
Bayonets  and  swords  thick  clash ;  men  tumble  round ; 
Soon  fly  the  nations  through  the  groaning  town, 


502  POEMS    OP   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

France  thundering  on  their  rear.     This  Blucher  raov'd  ; 
He  quickly  reinforc'd  the  royal  chief; 
Who,  charging  swift,  the  gory  town  regain'd. 

The  while  Napoleon  threats  his  enemy's  flank  ; 
But  well  brave  Blucher  knew  his  greater  power ; 
Nor  chang'd  his  early  purpose  to  o'erthrow 
The  Gallic  centre.     Great  spectators  came ; 
Te  Russian,  Prussian  and  the  Austrian  kings : 
Glad  in  their  presence  to  fulfill  his  plans 
The  veteran  chief  conducts  his  ardent  powers 
On  La  Rothiere.     Him  Sacken  bold  attends. 
And  now  tremendous  grows  the  rage  of  fight, 
Th'  artillery  thunders,  levelled  muskets  burn ; 
In  squadrons  deep  the  cavalry  rush  amain, 
Like  tempests  sweeping  o'er  the  foamy  waves, 
And  mournful  ruin  strews  the  ample  field. 
Resistless  pour  the  nations ;  .France  recedes, 
With  flaming  arms,  before  the  deadly  blast. 
To  prop  the  fight,  Napoleon  midst  his  guard 
High  moves,  conspicuous  as  the  moon  new  risen 
O'er  orient  hills,  when  snow  invests  the  land, 
And  silvery  ice  the  trees,  and  cloudless  heaven, 
Bespangled  thin  with  stars,  smiles  o'er  the  scene, 
And  thus  bespeaks  them :  lo  !  th'  occasion  calls 
Our  army's  bulwark  to  the  field  of  fame  ! 
Myself  will  lead  you  on  yon  boisterous  powers  : 
This  breast  shall  foremost  in  the  combat  stand, 
So  long  detested  by  the  foes  of  France, 
Yictor  so  long  o'er  potent  states  combin'd. 
Advance  !     Our  country  looks  to  us  in  tears  ! 

He  ceas'd  ;  their  answering  shout  th'  battle  claim 'd. 
As  clouds  on  wings  of  whirlwinds  traverse  heaven, 
Following  their  Monarch,  rush'd  they  on  the  foe  : 
Then  stormy  conflict  rag'd,  shouts,  screams  and  moans 
Resounded — double  night  o'erspread  the  field  ; 
Discord  assum'd  her  direst  form,  and  Mars 
Inhuman  rav'd  amidst  the  thickening  gloom  ; 
For  now  the  sun  had  left  the  western  skies 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  503 

To  cast  his  burning  eye  on  happier  lands. 
Napoleon's  steed  in  thickest  battle  fell, 
Pertus'd  by  ponderous  ball ;  the  Emperor  rose  ; 
Midst  vulgar  warriors  urg'd  the  dreadful  fray  ; 
Midst  falling  thousands,  facing  death,  he  stood, 
And  in  his  troops  thus  breath'd  heroic  fires  : 

On,  fellow-soldiers,  fortune  helps  the  brave  ! 
Let  not  our  country  mourn  our  valor  lost, 
So  oft  triumphant  o'er  these  foes,  who  dare 
Invade  that  France  whose  arms  have  awed  the  world  ! 

Where'er  he  wends  tremendous  conflict  grows  ; 
His  legions  rush  infuriate,  dire  and  wild, 
Scattering  destruction  like  heaven's  fiery  bolts, 
Hurl'd  from  the  dark  abode  of  storm,  when  winds 
Tumultuous  drive  the  thundering  night  along. 
On  other  steed  he  mounts  and  high  careers 
Through  the  wide  uproar.     Mighty  nations  reel 
Before  the  army  by  his  presence  fir'd. 
Night  veil'd  the  horrid  field  ;  but  Blucher  rous'd 
His  bleeding  forces  to  maintain  the  strife  ; 
Leading  the  van.     Again  the  dreadful  shock 
Of  furious  armies  tragic  scenes  disclos'd  : 
All  La  Ilothiere  was  wrapt  in  warring  flames 
Alternate  with  thick  darkness.     Havoc  there 
With  maw  distended,  drove  with  fearful  speed 
The  dogs  of  slaughter  round  the  laboring  fight, 
Terrors  and  furies  screaming  in  their  course. 

At  length  the  French  in  midnight's  gloom  reign, 
Withdrew  their  legions  from  the  direful  fray, 
Which  swallow'd  thousands  of  the  bold  and  brave. 

There  fell  Bouvier,  of  valient  men  the  pride  ; 
Heroic  patience,  persevering  zeal 
Were  his  ;  bereft  of  hands  by  Russian  frost, 
He  yet  bore  fatal  sword  ;  fronting  his  band, 
And  midst  the  tempest  of  the  fight  he  died. 
There  Mo  watt  perish'd  in  his  glory's  bloom  ; 
Beneath  the  tempest  of  his  arm  war  groan'd 
And  stormy  battle  wheel'd ;  like  some  tall  oak, 


504  POEMS    OF    THOMAS    HEDGES 

Whose  broad  unyielding  arms  made  whirlwinds  moan 
Their  vain  assault,  by  thunder  prostrate  laid, 
He  fell,  transpierced  by  balls.     ~No  more  his  peers 
In  doubtful  fray  on  him  turn  hopeful  eyes  : 
Their  rock  of  fight  is  scatter'd  in  the  dust ; 
Nought  lives  of  Mowatt  but  an  empty  name. 
As  wild  winds  prostrate  forests,  Discord  laid 
Unnumber'd  thousands  on  the  crimson  ground : 
Fair  youths,  rejoicing  for  the  days  to  .come, 
And  seniors,  careless  of  Hope's  nattering  tales  ; 
All  ghastly  wan  ;  no  more  defeat  will  grieve, 
Nor  victory  glad  their  breasts,  in  death  clay  cold. 
Unhappy  France,  whose  frown  made  nations  mourn, 
And  thou,  among  whose  courtiers  kings  were  seen, 
Must  meet  the  doom  rash  enterprize  provokes, 
And  teach  the  strong  to  reverence  Justice'  bounds, 
All  sacred,  nor  them  pass,  though  Avarice  tempt, 
Hope  promise,  and  Ambition's  voice  conceal 
The  present  ill  with  views  of  future  good. 

The  French  repass'd  the  Aube,  and  fir'd  its  bridge. 
At  Chattillon  ambassadors  now  meet : 
For  Prussia,  Humboldt ;  France,  Yizenza's  Duke  ; 
For  England,  Stewart,  Cathcart,  Aberdeen. 
In  Razumowski  Russia  there  appear'd  ; 
In  Stadion  Austria.     These,  for  peace,  demand 
That  France  relinquish  Belgium,  and  resume 
Her  ancient  limits.     Caulaincourt's  despatch, 
Divulging  the  hard  terms,  her  Emperor  reads 
In  trouble  ;  Maret  and  Berthier,  with  zeal, 
Urge  their  acceptance.     He  to  peace  inclines, 
Thus  pondering  silent  o'er  his  luckless  plight : 

Alas !  to  circumstances  all  must  yield  : 
Sol's  fires  unfed  must  fail,  and  he  in  gloom 
Midst  faded  planets  mourn.     My  throne,  ill  arm'd, 
Will  cease  t'  exert  a  vivifying  power, 
And  I,  in  grief,  shall  look  o'er  blighted  France. 
State  after  state,  lopp'd  by  the  arm  of  Jove, 
Has  from  my  Empire  pass'd.     When  I  assum'd 


THE   KA.POLEAD.  505 

This  purple,  full  of  thorny  cares,  France  held 

The  Alps  and  Rhine,  her  natural  limits  ;  now 

E'en  Belgium  fast  is  crumbling  from  her  side. 

Can  I  to  this  assent  ?     The  Bourbon  might — 

Then  let  him  be  restored.     But  where  shall  I 

Find  rest  and  safety  ?     Did  not  Fox  say  well, 

That  kings,  restor'd,  forgive  not  those  who  fill'd 

Their  thrones  ?     May  monarchs  that  to  me  have  bow'd 

Beyond  the  Rhine,  not  wish  me  far  remov'd, 

When  Russia  threatens  ?     When  their  subjects  mourn 

My  power's  declension  ?     Hannibal  affords 

A  mournful  illustration  of  the  snares 

That  compass  helpless  greatness.     Distant  realms 

Gave  him  no  shelter  from  the  shafts  of  Rome  : 

She  fear'd  his  mere  existence.     Can  I  hope, 

Untroubled,  life's  sad  pilgrimage  to  end  ? 

Or  that  the  world  hath  place  of  rest  for  me  ? 

0  come,  kind  grave,  your  dark  embrace  shall  hide 
The  ingrate's  meanness,  and  the  flatterer's  praise 
From  my  tir'd  senses.     Patriotism  calls 

All  France  to  arms  ;  but  calls,  alas  !  in  vain  ; 

1  stand,  a  head,  upon  a  shrivell'd  trunk, 
Its  vital  heat,  its  patriot  warmth  decay'd 
So  much,  the  insults  of  barbarous  hordes 
Scarce  stir  the  national  blood  ;  as  Nature's  self 
Were  chang'd,  attraction  and  repulsion  lost, 
And  toil-worn  totter'd  on  dark  chaos'  verge.' 

Naples  has  left  our  cause  :  Eugene  can  send 
No  succor  o'er  the  Alps  to  Augereau . 
Denmark  obeys  Necessity,  and  leaves 
My  failing  fortunes.     Wellington  invades 
From  Spain,  and  thrice  my  numbers  threat  my  rear, 
That  now,  in  mass  resistless,  onward  pour, 
Too  well  instructed  in  my  rules  of  war. 
Still,  I  shall  wait  till  morn,  ere  I  direct 
Th'  acceptance  of  the  odious  basis.     Sleep ! 
Drown  in  your  balmy  tide  my  cares.     Thus  he, 
Down  lying  careless  on  the  grateful  bed. 


506  POEMS    OF   THOMA.S    HEDGES    GENIN. 

And  straight  in  slumber's  downy  arms  repos'd. 

But,  ere  day  dawn'd,  returning  scouts  made  known 
To  th'  wak'd  Emperor,  that  th'  opposing  powers, 
Though  taught  the  advantage  of  each  other's  aid 
At  La  Eothiere,  and  at  Brienne  its  need, 
Had  separated  ;  Schwartzenberg  in  front 
Remain'd  ;  but  Blucher  to  the  Marne  had  led 
His  army,  and  towards  Paris  by  that  vale 
Approach'd.     His  eagle  eye  detects  the  fault — 
And  quick  bids  Oudinot  and  Yictor  face 
The  Austrian  left ;  while  he  the  country  cross'd, 
In  swift  pursuit  of  Blucher  ;  nor  responds 
To  Caulaincourt's  inquiry.     Hope  had  now 
The  ruin  promis'd  of  Silesia's  host : 
Accomplishing  his  destiny,  he  heeds 
The  Syren's  voice,  and  leaves  th'  ambassador 
To  grope  in  darkness,  till  the  sword  may  give 
The  needed  light.     He  urges  on  his  troops 
Through  pathless  tracts,  woods,  ditches,  snow  and  fens, 
Towards  the  road,  where  Blucher's  host,  disjoin'd 
In  three  divisions,  march'd  on  Paris — sure 
That  Schwartzenberg  Napoleon  well  employ 'd. 
At  Champaubert  he  on  the  central  corps, 
By  Alsufieif  commanded,  headlong  fell, 
Like  lightning  from  Jove's  hand  and  quick  subdu'd. 

The  voice  of  fight  made  Sacken  and  De  York 
Retrace  invasion's  road,  from  where  they  view'd 
The  spires  and  smoke  of  Meaux,  to  Montmirail. 
There,  Gaul's  impulsive  Emperor  them  oppos'd  : 
He  bids  Marmont  obstruct  gray  Blucher's  march, 
While  he  in  torrent  sweeps  their  hosts  away. 

As  foaming  billows  thunder  on  the  shore, 
His  valorous  legions  on  the  Prussians  fall ; 
As  meets  the  shore  the  shock  of  boisterous  waves, 
Th'  astonish'd  Prussians  meet  the  fearful  charge, 
And  horrid  swells  the  fray.     The  Emperor  fans 
The  battle's  fires  ;  tempestuous  round  he  drives, 
And  lightens  through  the  gloomy  files  of  war. 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  507 

Mars,  gorgon-rob'd,  and  Discord  hot  from  hell, 

With  blighting  breath,  hard  laboring,  shake  the  field  ; 

Dire  on  March aise  the  storm  of  combat  rag'd  ; 

Thence  thrice  by  bayonet  point,  the  French  were  driven, 

With  odious  carnage  ;  and  the  Prussians  thrice 

Retreated  thence,  in  wild  uproar  ;  at  length 

Half  fall'n,  they  fled,  hard  press'd  by  thundering  Gaul. 

They  cross  the  Marne,  involve  its  bridge  in  flames  ; 

Towards  Chalons  retreat :  Mortier  pursues 

O'er  the  deep  stream,  his  Emperor  close  behind, 

Till  night  invests  the  land,  and  morn  appears 

In  rosy  stole  ;  then  glad,  Napoleon  learns, 

That  Blucher,  ignorant  of  his  centre's  plight, 

Is,  with  swift  steps,  advancing  to  its  aid, 

Driving  Marmont  before  on  Montmirail. 

He  bids  Mortier  pursue  the  routed  powers, 

While  he,  from  Thierry,  to  Ragusa's  Duke, 

With  all  his  guard,  returns,  and  sudden  falls, 

With  cavalry  strong,  upon  th'  invading  foe  : 

Vast  squadrons  gallop'd  on  his  bristling  lines. 

Brave  Blucher,  midst  the  iron  tempest,  forms 

His  troops  in  quadrates,  and  retreats  in  gore 

O'er  many  a  bloody  league,  till,  at  Chalons, 

He  joins  the  corps  of  Sacken  De  York. 

There  Gaul  must  need  permit  him  to  repose  ; 

For  Schwartzenberg  approaches  Paris  proud. 

Him  t'  oppose  the  watchful  Emperor  hies  ; 

But  leaves  Marmont  t'  observe  the  Prussian  chief. 

E'en  now  his  Fontainbleau  hears  hostile  arms  : 

But,  ere  two  days,  on  Nangis  he  descends. 

There,  driving  Oudinot's  and  Victor's  bands 

Before,  towards  Paris  proudly  march'd  th'  allies. 

Impetuous  on  them,  like  a  tempest  dark, 
That  sweeps  the  heaven  and  earth,  and  rolls  the  waves 
Far  off  their  wonted  shore,  Napoleon  rush'd 
In  the  strong  panoply  of  valiant  hearts. 
His  foes  amaz'd,  exclaim  :  Can  this  be  him, 
And  these  the  troops,  who  late  on  Blucher  warr'd  ! 


508  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Has  not  some  Angel,  Guardian  of  the  land, 
Borne  hither  its  arm'd  sons  in  gloomy  clouds  1 
What  active  valor  animates  the  Chief ! 
With  half  our  numbers  he  defeats  our  aims  ! 
And  loud  the  battle  rages  ;  slaughtering  guns 
Pour  ruin  forth,  and  strew  the  field  with  death  ; 
Squadrons  encounter  squadrons,  fury  wing'd  ; 
Steeds  rear  and  plunge,  arms  clash,  disploding  burn, 
And  horrid  tumult  many  a  furlong  reigns. 
The  dread  commotion  fills  an  empire's  bounds  ; 
Pyrenee  calls  to  Alp,  and  Alp  throws  back  the  roar. 
Soon  fly  the  nations  ;  by  dire  terrors  driven, 
They  cross  the  Seine,  France  thundering  on  their  rear. 
On  JVIontereau  then  rolls  the  storm  of  fight, 
Where  Wirternberg's  brave  Prince  th'  allies  controll'd. 
Short  time  he  stood  the  rage  of  furious  Gaul ; 
Conducted  by  her  King  of  mighty  name, 
Like  torrent  floods,  or  burning  winds,  she  drove 
O'er  many  a  league  her  potent  foe  far  oft 
Th'  vicinage  of  her  Paris,  beyond  Troyes. 

J^or  twice  seven  rounds  had  made  the  orb  of  day, 
When  Oudinot  and  sage  McDonald,  left 
To  check  the  numerous  host  of  Schwartzenberg, 
The  indefatigable  Chief  of  France 
Returns  to  oppose  the  vast  Silesian  host — 
O'er  Aisne's  stream  his  war-worn  veterans  leads  : 
Then  on  Craone  loud  storm  of  combat  rose  ; 
De  York  and  Sacken,  after  peerless  fray, 
Flew  his  fierce  presence,  and  the  deadly  field, 
O'erstrown  with  thousands,  and  at  Laon  took 
Position  strong,  defying  their  great  foe. 

Nor  had  Hyperion  twice  drove  round  the  day, 
Ere  Gaul  advanc'd  beneath  the  fog  of  morn, 
To  renovate  the  angry  flames  of  fight. 
Twice  forty  thousand  men  her  banners  bore. 
Gleaming  in  steel,  and  tipt  with  wavy  plumes, 
These  led  by  skillful  chiefs,  at  once  begin 
The  mournful  fray,  thundering  amain  ;  nor  less 


THE    NAPOLEAD.  509 

Th'  assail'd  Silesians.     Wide  around,  the  lands 

And  skies  were  wrapt  in  flames  and  smoky  gloom  ; 

Earth  trembled  under  raging  squadrons,  bent 

On  havoc  vast,  and  tiers  of  thunderers  huge, 

Spouting  big  cataracts  of  fire  and  death. 

All  day  th'  earth-shaking  battle  rag'd,  and  night 

Faint  truce  impos'd.     Twice  Sol  meridian  blaz'd 

On  the  great  conflict,  and  twice  left  the  field 

Groaning  in  darkness.     Blucher  scarce  sustain'd 

The  deadly  shock,  save  where  warr'd  Sacken  and  De  York ; 

There,  as  the  dismal  day  hung  in  the  west, 

Veiling  his  radiance  in  the  misty  air, 

France  from  their  death-dispensing  front  recoil'd, 

Deep  fraught  with  ruin — unpursu'd,  for  sore 

Her  foemen  tarried  on  selected  ground, 

O'erspread  with  ruins  of  the  form  divine. 

Now  Discord  and  her  demons,  wrapt  in  clouds, 
Roll'd  up  the  cone  of  night  with  stormy  sound, 
And,  as  they  soar'd,  thus  sung  the  hideous  crew  : 

To  see  Napoleon  bound  from  host  to  host, 
O'er  floods  and  hills,  deep  snow  and  miry  vales, 
Against  such  odds  contending,  fills  with  joy, 
As  when  the  Titans  cast  the  hills  at  Jove, 
And  he  and  Nature  on  the  rebels  fell : 
One  storm  then  wrapp'd  the  globe,  that  quak'd  and  rock'd 
Beneath  gigantic  forms,  reeling  before 
Th'  Almighty's  blow:,  from  clime  to  clime  ;  each  step 
Passing  broad  zones.     One  hand  the  frigid  swept, 
The  other,  in  the  torrid,  seiz'd  an  isle, 
Or  mountain  huge,  and  hurl'd  it  through  the  heavens. 
Th'  abruptions  vast  made  vales  for  watery  worlds. 
With  smiles,  th'  Eternal  their  presumption  sees, 
Assists  the  upward  flight  of  mountains  ;  gives 
Auxiliar  strength  ;  dilates,  in  central  caves, 
Th'  imprison'd  air,  that  breaks  Earth's  ribs,  and  sends 
The  Moon  from  out  her  bowels,  ne'er  to  fall, 
But  wheel  forever  round  the  fearful  scene, 
And,  constant,  at  her  shatter'd  parent  gaze. 


510  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES 

Seeds,  from  the  gloomy  deep  upthrown,  now  felt 

The  vital  heat.     New  forms  of  being  rose. 

Th'  internal  fires  broke  out  on  every  side  : 

Etna  to  Cotopaxi  call'd  in  groans. 

Far  Hecla  loudly  roar'd,  and  audience  claim'd, 

Midst  deep-ton'd  thunders,  and  all  heaven  on  fire 

With  quivering  lightnings,  bursting  from  thick  clouds, 

Borne  by  rock-tossing  winds,  that  forests  bore 

In  rustling  uproar  on  their  thundering  wings. 

At  either  pole  storm'd  Winter,  and  between 

Blaz'd  thunderbolts,  and  floods  and  tempests  rag'd. 

Whole  oceans  bounded  from  their  beds  in  foam, 

Like  tigers  from  their  lairs,  unnumber'd  leagues 

Above  the  highest  mountains,  in  their  course 

Sweeping  whole  continents.     The  giants  toil 

Beneath  the  tempest,  staggering  to  and  fro  : 

Now  in  th'  Atlantic,  now  in  India's  deep, 

On  Labrador's  and  then  on  Falkland's  shore 

They  trod,  and  shook  the  globe  ;  as  when  a  tar 

Leaps  quick  from  side  to  side,  on  some  small  boat 

And  shakes  and  rolls  it  with  the  shifting  weight. 

At  length,  th'  Eternal  hurls  a  comet  huge 

Unnumber'd  miles  along  the  crashing  earth, 

That  sweeps  the  rebels  from  her  stormy  face 

Far  east,  toward  the  region  of  the  Sun. 

Earth  on  her  axis,  still  the  impulsion  feels  ; 

Her  surface  smouldering,  with  the  attrition  glow'd, 

Her  woods  were  charr'd  and  swept  to  beds  of  coal, 

Quench'd  by  the  fall  of  mountains,  interchang'd  : 

While  ocean  boil'd  and  raging  roll'd  in  flame. 

The  spirit  of  the  Titans  still  remains  ; 
Still  man  against  himself  and  Heaven  rebels. 
Unhappy  being  !  for  our  sport  he  dies  ; 
To  get  a  bauble  plunges  worlds  in  war  ; 
He  runs  on  death  to  win  the  praise  of  fools  ; 
His  right  determines  by  contention  dire. 
He  millions  pays  that  knaves  may  thousands  gain  ; 
His  conduct  proves,  with  him  unnumber'd  lives 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  511 

Can  not  outweigh  a  phantom  ;  wo  of  realms, 

And  death  of  myriads  scarce  suffice  to  test 

A  statesman's  scheme  to  seize  his  neighbor's  gold. 

The  will  of  one  makes  many  millions  mourn, 

Since  in  societies  the  race  have  joined. 

What  hopeful  prospect  rational  man  presents  ! 

Obtruding  Wisdom,  not  maturing  Time, 

Nor  Christ's  pacific  lore  shall  change  his  ways  ; 

Rejoice,  then,  dark  companions  ;  Earth  is  ours ; 

We  still  shall  quaff  the  gore  of  battle-fields, 

We  still  shall  hold  communion  with  mankind, 

Inspire  their  counsels  and  direct  their  deeds. 

Rejoice,  O  Sovereign  of  th'  infernal  world  ; 

Thrice  louder  let  the  blazing  tempests  howl, 

In  joy  of  our  great  prevalence  on  this  globe, 

Of  all  the  planets  most  to  us  endear'd, 

Its  tenants  more  to  wo  than  bliss  inclin'd. 

Ah  !  could  the  souls,  that  wander  on  the  winds, 

Their  great  discoveries  tell,  our  sway  would  end  ; 

But  all  their  organs  moulder  in  the  grave, 

That  may  win  audience  of  material  forms. 

Roll  on,  contention's  years  !     Ye  gladsome  days 

Advance,  when  warring  hosts,  pour'd  from  the  north, 

And  from  Napoleon's  fall,  shall  glut  our  shrine. 

Thou,  Wisdom,  source  of  peace  and  human  bliss, 

Reside  with  man  no  more,  nor  harm  our  reign. 

Thus  they,  in  darkness,  and  now  morn  advanc'd 
With  blushing  cheek  and  golden  tresses  fair, 
Showering  new  life  along  the  brightening  world. 

Upon  Soisons  the  frustrate  French  retir'd  ; 
Which,  garrison'd,  they  speed  to  Rheims  ;  St.  Priest 
There  held  position.     Nor  had  Phoebus  thrice 
Blaz'd  o'er  the  world,  when  Gaul  against  him  drove 
With  thunders,  bayonets,  flames  and  iron  showers. 
Long,  with  disastrous  violence,  rag'd  the  fray  : 
At  length,  th'  allies  resign'd  the  mournful  field, 
Where  early  fell  their  chief,  by  cruel  ball 
Hurl'd  headlong  from  his  prancing  steed  on  heaps 


512  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Of  dying  mortals,  quivering,  cold  and  pale  : 
Like  a  fair  rose,  torn  from  its  parent  trunk, 
That,  faded,  withers  on  the  sultry  plain, 
Its  living  red  and  grateful  fragrance  gone, 
The  lifeless  general  lay  with  kindred  dust. 
Unnumber'd  captives  victor  France  retaiii'd. 
Much  Schwartzenberg  the  wasteful  conflict  mourn'd, 
Which  broke  a  needed  link  in  hope's  bright  chain  ; 
But  when  seven  suns  on  St.  Priest's  grave  had  shone 
In  front  of  Arcis  came  the  Austrian  chief, 
Frowning  defiance  on  Napoleon's  power. 
And  now  Necessity  thus  Wisdom  moves  : 

Gaul's  Emperor,  reaping  error's  fruit,  demands 
Thy  aid.     On  him  much  rests.     Fair  Science  mourns 
His  wo  ;  but  Inquisition  whets  her  fangs 
And  views,  with  ghastly  joy,  his  tottering  power. 
His  genius  shines  out  cloudless  at  my  call ; 
But  force  must  be  oppos'd  by  force  ;  he  stands 
Too  weak  to  cope  with  either  hostile  host. 
Shall  he  the  frontier  posts  or  Paris  seek 
T'  increase  his  army  ?     Help  him  backward  turn 
The  tide,  that  threatens  France  and  liberty. 
His  late  bad  counsellors  around  us  mourn  : 
Ambition  asks  of  Prudence  glory's  road  ; 
Pride  views  her  faults,  and  sickens  at  the  sight ; 
E'en  Yanity  laments  ;  Conviction  holds 
Such  dazzling  reign  !     Thus  Need,  and  Wisdom  then 

For  him  'twere  best  to  march  to  Paris — curb 
The  factions  there,  and  fight  before  her  walls. 
To  threat  his  foe's  communications  would 
Best  serve  his  country — whom  he  seeks  to  serve. 
Who  risk'd  his  life  may  risk  his  crown  for  her, 
And  to  the  patriot  sacrifice  the  man. 

Thus  she  ;  Ambition  reassured,  begins  : 
I  blame  myself  no  more,  for  having  turn'd 
His  thoughts  from  Chattillon  to  Blucher's  host. 
When  pondering  the  power-palsying  terms  of  peace  ; 
For  now  Captivity,  with  menace  stern, 


THE  NAPOLEAD.  513 

Looks  on  the  federate  sovereigns  ;  proud  success 

Smiles  on  his  trophied  Eagles,  and  Renown 

Lifts  her  loud  trumpet  to  astound  the  world. 

Yet,  since  diplomacy  no  longer  aids, 

I  fear  hope  flash'd  to  light  him  to  the  tomb  ; 

That  e'en  success,  to  urge  his  fate,  was  given  ; 

That  five  successive  victories  only  prove 

Europe  unsafe,  with  France  in  hands  so  brave ! 

Vain  dread— the  frontier  fortresses  will  yield 

The  needed  reinforcements — harder  terms 

Will  not  be  ask'd  of  Austria's  relative 

Than  were  required  at  Chattillon  ;  besides, 

The  lily  cannot  bloom  in  Austria's  sun  ; 

For  thus  Louisa's  father  has  declar'd. 

She  ceas'd,  and  Wisdom  darts,  like  ray  of  light, 
From  Need's  rough  dome  along  th'  expansion  blue, 
Mid  frolic  breezes  wafting  silvery  clouds — 
Descends  on  Arcis,  and  the  Chief  bespeaks  : 

Here  Sohnprtzenberg  approaches,  Blucher  there  ; 
March  quick  between  them,  and  attain  their  rear ; 
There  war,  while  Marmont  and  the  national  guard 
Defend  fair  Paris,  and  the  federate  kings 
Shall  not  escape,  if  thou  victorious  prove  ; 
But  owe  again  their  forfeit  crowns  to  thee. 

She  spoke,  he  pass'd  the  Aube,  towards  Vitry  march'd, 
But  first  on  Schwartzenberg's  gigantic  host 
Infuriate  rush'd ;  with  boldness  weakness  hides. 
He  gains  their  rear,  and  much  th'  allies  alarms  ; 
On  him  the  look,  as  pious  pilgrims  view 
A  lion,  intercepting  their  return 
To  populous  caravan,  which  slow  proceeds 
Through  the  pale  wilderness  to  Mecca's  shrine. 

Deceit  and  sly  Intrigue  long  time  had  rode 
In  gloom,  avoiding  day,  accompan'ing  night 
Over  vast  continents,  and  lonely  seas  ; 
But  now  the  twain  remit  the  dark  pursuit 
To  circle  France  :  Observing  Fortune  cast 
A  doubtful  radiance  on  her  Emperor's  throne, 
33 


514          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Her  lowering  changeful  face,  they  thought,  design'd 

Great  revolution  in  th'  affairs  of  men  ; 

And  thence  took  courage  :  Wellington  they  saw 

Advancing  far  in  Gaul,  compelling  Soult 

From  field  to  field  in  gore  ;  and  Austrian  force 

In  Lyons,  and  th'  allies,  with  numerous  hosts, 

Twixt  Paris  and  Napoleon  interpos'd. 

Intrigue,  assuming  Borgo's  form  and  air, 

Thus  timely  Schwartzenberg  address'd :  Why  not 

A  revolution,  as  a  treaty,  make  ? 

For  know,  the  nation's  not  the  Emperor's  weal 

Employs  the  most  distinguish'd  sons  of  Gaul : 

Corruption  throws  her  soul-debasing  darts, 

And  Patriotism  toils  to  blast  his  power  : 

Both  Honesty  and  Fraud  conspire  his  fall ! 

By  venturing  all  you  venture  nothing  still ; 

To  Paris  then — be  War  himself  dethron'd — 

Nor  heed  Napoleon  threatening  in  thy  rear. 

She  ceases — flies  to  Paris — takes  the  for*| 
Of  Talleyrand — the  Senate  moves,  and  shows 
Rebellion  is  not  treason,  when  the  force 
Of  banded  Europe  justifies  the  deed. 

Then  to  Marmont  departs  and  thus  begins : 
Oh  Chief!  behold  two  hundred  thousand  foes, 
Foes,  not  of  France,  but  of  the  man  you  serve, 
Approach  our  Paris ;  canst  thou  stop  their  march  ? 
Thy  late  attempts  against  their  van  were  vain ; 
Why  sacrifice  thy  troops  for  him,  whom  France 
No  longer  deems  her  Emperor  ?     Then  remit 
Thy  hostile  toil ;  with  warlike  honors  yield, 
And  let  the  nations  glad  the  world  with  peace. 

She  spoke,  and  thus  the  war-worn  Chief  replied  : 
One  who  for  Gaul  has  bled  and  toil'd  so  long, 
When  Paris'  barriers  by  th'  allies  are  forc'd, 
May  sacrifice  the  Emperor  to  the  state  ; 
E'en  Patriotism  will  command  the  deed, 
When  loyalty  to  him  is  perfidy  to  France. 
Thus  he ;  then  swift  to  Augereau,  the  power, 


THE   JSTAPOLEAD.  515 

t 

With  like  intent,  discourses,  and  the  Chief 
Makes  like  reply.     And  now  eight  times  had  Sol 
From  Aries  cast  his  vivifying  beams, 
When  Schwartzenberg,  near  Paris'  walls  appeared  ; 
There  thrice  three  hours  rag'd  battle,  scattering  death, 
Wielding  his  thunders  and  tempestuous  showers  : 
Marmont,  with  slender  force,  and  valor  great, 
The  torrent  breasts ;  at  length,  to  save  the  town, 
He  truce  obtains ;  in  Paris  stalk  the  kings. 

Meantime  to  Fontainbleau  ISTapoleon  comes, 
A  day  too  late  to  keep  his  tottering  power. 
Still  jovial,  undepress'd,  his  host  reviews — 
Bids  !N"ey,  McDonald,  Caulincourt  defend 
His  dynasty  before  the  victor  kings, 
And  do  the  best  for  France,  nor  him  regard  : 
Th'  ambassadors  depart,  and  urge  his  views : 
While  yet  they  speak,  the  march  of  Marmont's  corps 
Within  the  lines  of  the  allies  is  learn'd : 
The  weighty  fact  the  sovereigns  move  to  claim 
An  unconditional  abdication  of  the  throne. 
The  Senate  straight  decree  his  reign  has  ceas'd, 
And  call  the  Bourbon  to  the  helm  again. 
The  flatterers  groping  for  the  stronger  side, 
Soon  see  a  fiend  where  late  an  angel  stood. 

Th'  ambassadors  to  Fountainbleau  return. 
!Ney  in  his  palace  finds  the  fallen  Chief, 
And  thus  bespeaks  him :  Sire,  '  tis  vain  to  seek 
Thy  dynasty's  continuance  :  Force  prescribes 
Our  movements  now :  '  Tis  wise  in  man  to  yield 
To  what  his  efforts  cannot  overcome. 
Marmont  has  quit  thy  cause,  on  plight  thou  live 
In  circumscrib'd  domain  ;  his  corps  has  pass'd 
Within  the  enemy's  lines  :  This  luckless  deed 
Came  to  the  sovereigns'  knowledge  while  we  urg'd 
The  object  of  our  mission  ;  straight  they  claim'd 
Thy  unconditional  abdication ;  next 
The  Senate  snatch'd  the  sceptre  from  thy  hands ! 
For  revolutions  never  backward  move : 


516  POEMS   OF   THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

All  seek  power's  rising  sun.  :  So  fates  adverse 
Darken  our  path.     Thus  lie  ;  Napoleon  heard, 
With  indignation  fir'd,  and  quick'  replied  : 

Great  boon,  indeed,  Ragusa's  Duke  has  given  ; 
He  takes  my  gold,  yet  kind,  the  dross  returns, 
Grateful,  perhaps,  for  all  my  favors  past ! 
Can  I  such  gifts  accept  from  less  than  Heaven  ? 
The  Senate  equal  obloquy  deserve  : 
If  (as  is  charg'd)  I  have  despis'd  mankind, 
Their  recent  conduct  proves  the  opinion  just. 
As  vines  embrace  the  oak  they  round  me  twin'd 
While  revolution's  tempest  shook  the  land  ; 
To  foreign  branches  now  they  fondly  cling, 
Begardless  of  the  trunk  up  which  they  rose. 
The  soil  whence  came  my  tempest-braving  power, 
Was  France  and  God,  it  never  came  of  them, 
Who  now  so  modest  grant  another's  throne. 

All  is"  not  lost ;  I  might  to  Italy  march 
With  yon  brave  host,  and  yet  the  crown  retain ; 
Or,  concentrating  all  our  forces,  show, 
More  Capitals  than  mine  in  hostile  hands, 
Or,  back  returning,  glut  our  soil  with  gore 
Of  foes  and  traitors,  and  our  sway  resume  ; 
But  the  sole  obstacle  to  earth's  repose 
I  bide  no  longer :  Be  the  throne  resign'd 
By  me  and  all  my  race ;  e'en  life  itself 
I  will  upon  my  country's  altar  pour 
To  make  her  happy.     Thus  the  hero  spoke. 
His  abdication  swift  to  Paris  flew, 
And  on  its  pinions  smil'd  all  bounteous  peace. 

To  him  the  sovereignty  of  Elba's  isle 
The  arbiters  of  Europe  straight  assign, 
That  ocean's  vast  embrace  may  far  detain, 
Divested  of  his  king-alarming  power. 

When  twice  ten  suns  had  budding  April  grac'd, 
Th'  unthron'd  Napoleon  leaves  his  Fountainbleau, 
Addressing  first  his  guard :  Brave  men,  our  doom 
Is  to  be  separate  ;  Heaven's  o'erruling  power 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  517 

Has  so  ordain 'd ;  but  though  with  you  no  more 
I  tread  the  tented  field,  yet  will  I  trace 
Your  ways,  observe  your  conduct,  and  enjoy 
The  dear  reflection,  that  ye  once  were  mine, 
And  I  was  yours.     Know  that  ye  have  my  love. 
Your  actions  much  deserve.     All  I  cannot  embrace ; 
But  will  your  general,  with  respect  to  all. 

The  Emperor  thus,  majestic  in  his  grief, 
While  mourning  thousands  heard  bedew'd  with  tears, 
And  sorrow  cast  a  sullen  glory  round. 
Cambronne  advanc'd  from  midst  the  weeping  train ; 
Him  the  great  chief,  with  mournful  grandeur,  held 
To  the  bold  breast  long  fraught  with  Europe's  doom, 
The  soul-born  tears  slow  trickling  from  their  eyes ; 
The  trophied  standard  then  embrac'd  sublime, 
Great  triumphs  blazing  on  th'  imposing  scene  ; 
So  bade  adieu  to  victory's  eagled  sign, 
And  into  exile  took  lamented  way, 
Pursu'd  by  Gaul's  proud  genius,  and  the  tears 
Of  millions  griev'd.     Britannia's  bark  convey 'd 
Th'  unconquer'd  hero  to  the  destiii'd  isle, 
O'er  the  wide  rolling  deep ;  and  as  he  sail'd 
Fair  Wisdom  comes  resplendent  from  her  skies, 
To  him  sole  visitor,  and  thus  begins : 

Thou  fall'st  not  with  thy  throne,  more  than  the  hill 
With  its  tall  forest,  when  before  the  gale 
Wide  countries  reel,  and  from  each  mountain's  brow 
Is  torn  its  verdant  cloud ;  still  mild  and  bald 
It  stands  indifferent  midst  the  tempest's  rage, 
And  soon  resumes  its  wonted  youthful  green. 
From  this  position  every  fault  appears, 
Which  lopp'd  thy  power ;  with  vexing  clearness  shines 
The  better  course  neglected,  which  pursu'd, 
Napoleon  still  had  been  the  king  of  kings, 
And  still  triumphant  o'er  his  foes,  as  now 
Triumphant  o'er  his  miseries  ;  nor  I  blame  ; 
'Tis  luckless,  not  reproachful,  to  be  wrong'd  ; 
'Tis  not  in  man  to  shun  perfidious  wiles : 


518  POEMS    OF    THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Night-shrouded  fraud  eludes  the  hero's  sword, 

And  fatal  crime  abuses  Wisdom's  trust. 

Thy  part  was  well  perform'd  :  it  now  remains 

To  bear  with  patience  what  thou  canst  not  shun, 

And  from  adversity  snatch  living  crowns, 

Of  which  nor  fraud  nor  arms  nor  Fortune  can  deprive. 

Thus  speaks  the  power  divine.     The  chief  replies  : 
I  know  too  well  that  life  all  things  outweighs, 
That  all  its  dignity  is  virtue,  and  its  pomp 
A  trifling  ornament  to  lay  it  down 
In  grief  for  sceptre's  pageantry  and  power. 
They  pain  their  kings  when  kings  their  people  bless  ; 
Such  labor  honest  sovereigns  must  perform  ! 
Let  thrones  attract  the  bubble-chasing  world ; 
For  such  I  am  not  weak  enough  to  die  ; 
Nor  eager  as  to  suffer  France  to  bleed 
At  every  pore  to  keep  my  royal  state. 

Yon  isle  is  not  too  small  for  happiness  ; 
Nor  shall  renown  forget  Napoleon  there  : 
His  pen  shall  tell  the  deeds  of  former  days, 
Delineating  his  laborious  life. 
Of  what  is  done  'tis  better  to  dispose, 
Than  let  it  perish  while  performing  more. 

He  ceas'd,  the  fair  one  mounts  her  native  skies, 
Involv'd  in  golden  clouds,  and  near  the  throne 
Of  Heaven's  eternal  Monarch,  thus  begins  : 

Omnipotent  Creator,  deign  to  hear 
Thy  "Wisdom's  voice  of  things  in  Europe's  realms  : 
When  angry  late,  thou  saw'st  her  kings  conspire 
'Gainst  human  rights,  while  thunders  rock'd  thy  throne, 
And  darkness  round  thee  roll'd,  thou  badst  me  guide 
One  gifted  man  to  peerless  height  of  power 
In  that  great  state  awak'd  to  Freedom's  charms, 
And  him  endue  with  mercy  to  forgive 
Those  he  might  conquer :  Great  Napoleon  rose 
From  that  high  mandate,  and  the  thrones  around 
Long  trembled  at  his  arms ;  war,  glory-plum'd, 
Trampled  the  nations  low,  and  sham'd  their  kings, 


THE   NAPOLEAD.  419 

Thtfugh  not  destroy'd :  at  length,  in  pride  of  power, 
He  strove  to  vanquish  Russia ;  in  her  clime 
Victor  he  march'd,  and  had  her  king  subdned ; 
But  the  unlucky  passions  rul'd  him  there, 
And  I,  delay'd  by  Heaven  to  stop  their  sway, 
Till  hoary  winter  scowl' d  with  gathering  storms, 
Scarce  sav'd  him  and  his  host  from  icy  graves ; 
For  soon  benumbing  algor,  tempest-borne, 
Chill'd  the  wide  land,  and  heap'd  with  silvery  snow  ; 
Then  congregated  nations  on  him  warr'd ; 
He  lean'd  on  interest,  duty,  nature,  all  in  vain ! 
~Nor  I  could  aid,  e'en  when  in  France  he  brav'd 
The  rage  of  conjunct  states ;  for  treason  there 
My  plan  defeated — and  the  hero  falls 
From  his  proud  eminence  of  imperial  power — 
Lo  !  how  magnanimous,  he  bids  not  blood 
To  flow  in  civil  strife,  to  save  his  crown : 
For  France  and  glory  may  her  children  bleed — 
But  not  her  sceptred  servant !  such  his  thoughts, 
While  he  resigns  the  greatest  throne  of  earth, 
And  seeks  repose  in  Elba's  humble  isle. 
Too  wrell  he  knows  the  worth  of  regal  power 
To  deem  it  needful  to  the  bliss  of  life, 
Or  listen  to  the  voice  of  wounded  pride ; 
Let  me  intreat,  then,  that  he  reascend 
The  Gallic  throne,  his  wisdom  to  reward, 
And  teach  the  world  the  folly  of  despair. 
For  mortals  marvel  that  he  fall  and  lives, 
Condemn  the  patience  which  on  misery  smiles, 
And  measuring  (vain  attempt)  his  soul  by  theirs, 
Blame  conduct  past  their  comprehension  great. 
Thus  spoke  th'  immortal  fair ;  the  starry  hall 
And  dazzling  throne  seem'd  listening  to  her  voice, 
When  from  a  cloud  of  living  gold,  sublime, 
Jehovah  blaz'd  insufferably  bright ; 
The  conscious  ether  glow'd ;  on  Wisdom  shone 
Superior  majesty,  adorn'd  with  rays 
Of  Heaven's  approving  smile,  as  thus  he  speaks : 


520  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Yirtue  shall  be  rewarded  and  thy  sons 
Shall  know  our  bounty :  we  thy  prayer  approve ; 
Though  fate  forbid  Napoleon  keep  the  throne, 
Till  death  relieve  him  from  terrestrial  woes, 
He,  ere  two  summers  shall  have  spent  their  rays, 
Shall  reascend,  but  transient  time  endure 
Its  labors,  that  mankind  may  wisdom  learn  ; 
Such  is  our  will,  and  such  the  hero's  doom. 


THE    FATAL    DISUNION 

AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE  FATAL  DISUNION. 

THE  "Fatal  Disunion"  alludes  to  the  history  of  the  United 
States  until  the  introduction  of  Joseph ;  and  afterwards  to 
the  supposed  consequences  of  their  political  bigotry.  Lucius 
may  be  considered  the  leader  of  the  Federal,  and  Gurus  of  the 
Democratic  Party.  It  was  written  during  the  Hartford  Con 
vention  :  is  intended  to  show  the  liability  of  man  to  work  his 
own  ruin  ;  the  tendency  of  infatuation,  and  the  danger  of  dis 
union  among  ourselves. 

ANALYSIS. 

A  Father*  having  done  much  for  the  benefit  of  his  family,  whose  resi 
dencef  and  history  are  described,  desirous  of  continuing  to  them  his  bless 
ings  beyond  his  life,  advises  them  to  obey  their  Mother,:}:  remain  united, 
attend  to  each  other's  welfare,  and  guard  against  certain  vices.  His  coun 
sel  is  applauded.  Agreeable  to  the  will  of  the  mother,  a  leader  or  overseer 
of  their  State  is  elected  for  four  years,  by  the  name  of  John,||  who  retains 
his  power  till  suspected  of  designs  against  their  liberty,  which  draws  on 
him  reproach.  Tom§  is  elected  in  his  stead  ;  who  rules  with  more  art,  but 
less  to  their  good  ;  resigns  in  good  season,  and  is  succeeded  by  Joseph,^  a 
man  of  moderation,  in  whose  reign  the  hostility  of  discordant  factions  occa 
sions  sad  disregard  of  the  monitions  and  government  of  their  parents — the 
litigants  clamor  against  each  other ;  the  party  in  minority  rejoice  at  the 
misfortunes  of  the  State,  alleging  them  to  the  incapacity  of  the  rulers,  and 
form  an  alliance  with  their  natural  enemy,  who  invades  their  dominions  on 
pretence  of  attacking  Joseph  ;  he,  seeing  the  threatened  danger,  implores 
their  assistance  in  repelling  the  foe,  together  with  the  Mother ;  their  en 
deavors  proving  fruitless,  she  retires  to  a  neighboring  mountain,  and  there 
weeping,  dissolves  to  a  sulphureous  stream.  Joseph,  with  his  faithful  few, 
combats  the  enemy  ;  is  overcome  ;  the  invaders  pursue  their  victory,  de- 

*  Washington.  f  The  United  States.  \  The  Constitution, 

||  Adams,  §  Jefferson.  T[  Madison. 


522  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIX. 

stroying  in  their  course  the  joint  property  of  the  discordant  brothers,  and 
take,  notwithstanding  the  traitorous  treaty,  the  defectious  alike  with  the 
vanquished  captives,  after  witnessing  the  destruction  of  their  native  seats. 

A  LOFTY  building  stood  in  happy  lands, 

Of  noble  frame,  and  reared  by  Valor's  hand  ; 

Twice  nine  fair  columns  grace  its  front  sublime, 

Founded  on  bases  that  should  rival  time, 

Bearing  memorials  of  the  patriots  dear 

That  give  to  deathless  fame  their  great  career, 

Whose  exit  Yirtue  still  regards  with  sighs 

While  pious  sorrows  dim  her  radiant  eyes  : 

Bright  Honor  decks  their  tombs  with  ceaseless  care, 

And  Admiration  dwells  enamor'd  there. 

An  ample  field  the  lofty  pile  surrounds, 
And  lakes  and  oceans  mark  its  utmost  bounds  ; 
O'er  which  Bellona  from  o'er  waters  far 
Once  furious  rushing  wag'd  destructive  war ; 
The  country's  father  then  great  efforts  made, 
Forth  rushing,  stain'd  with  hostile  blood  his  blade, 
Reliev'd  his  people,  won  the  victor  crown, 
And  lives  the  dearest  object  of  renown. 

Ere  rose  the  temple  in  despair  of  aid, 
Wept  liberty,  the  all-endearing  maid. 
But  when  the  brilliant  pile  stupendous  rose, 
Secure  from  greedy  kings  and  traitor  foes, 
The  nymph  triumphant  heavenly  charms  display'd  ; 
By  laws  protected  which  the  virtuous  made, 
Assum'd  high  sway  ;  her  flag  o'er  navies  hung 
In  every  clime ;  her  songs  of  triumphs  sung, 
And  promis'd  her  dominion  to  maintain, 
Until  imprison'd  in  death's  cold  domain. 

The  chief  constructor  of  the  beauteous  dome, 
Illum'd  with  love  and  hope  of  heaven  to  come  ; 
Beholding  death  approaching,  and  the  grave, 
His  children  summon'd,  and  this  counsel  gave  : 

Your  watchful  sire  will  soon  be  lifeless  clay, 
Oppress'd  with  age  he  goes  the  downward  way  ; 
By  hard  toils  form'd  and  with  experience  wise, 


THE   FATAL    DISUNION.  523 

'Tis  deem'd  his  duty  to  his  sons  t'  advise : 
Then  with  well-heeding  mind  to  him  attend, 
And  learn  the  dictates  of  a  sire  and  friend. 

In  human  breasts  an  erring  fury  dwells, 
Which  often  virtue,  often  reason  quells, 
But  statutes  most,  or  some  o'erruling  power 
Whom  all  should  sanction,  if  not  all  adore. 
Then  let  your  mother,  author  of  your  state, 
Whose  love  and  wisdom  shine  supremely  great, 
With  unrestrain'd  dominion  o'er  you  sway, 
And  all  transact  as  she  directs  the  way. 
To  do  her  will  let  ev'ry  one  unite, 
Nor  be  deter'd  by  jealousy  nor  spite  ; 
Nor  private  int'rest,  which  the  mean  controls, 
And  drags  in  snaky  paths  their  little  souls. 

When  foes  harass,  and  dangers  low'r  around, 
Let  all  united  guard  their  native  ground 
By  her  direction,  whose  superior  cares 
Arise  from  wisdom  of  maturer  years. 

As  sacred  union  only  can  sustain 
Your  future  bliss,  this  carefully  maintain  : 
The  rods  so  hard  to  break  in  bundle  tied, 
Are  snapp'd  with  ease  as  you  the  mass  divide. 
To  that  let  all  your  laws  and  deeds  agree, 
As  various  limbs  to  form  one  kindred  tree ; 
As  streams  from  various  courses  mix  and  pour, 
More  straight  and  forceful  than  they  flow'd  before  ; 
Let  each  with  all  in  union's  strength  combine, 
And  sectional  aims  for  general  good  resign  ; 
And  who  but  hints  that  union  to  destroy, 
Deem  him  your  foe,  or  in  some  foe's  employ. 
But  e'en  the  best  of  things  in  human  use 
May  be  perverted  to  intense  abuse  : 
And  if  a  few  whom  local  interests  join, 
To  blight  the  freedom  of  the  rest  combine  ; 
Let  such  not  in  the  sacred  Union's  name 
Demand  submission  to  their  deeds  of  shame  ! 
When  power  through  all  is  equally  diffused 


524  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

'Tis  less  obnoxious  then  to  be  abused  ; 
But  if  concenter'd  on  an  interest,  then 
It  saps  the  virtue  of  inconstant  men 
Who  purchas'd  by  that  interest  soon  resign 
The  peoples'  right,  who  fear  no  ill  design, 
Till  reft  of  all  of  freedom  but  the  name, 
Find  citizen  and  slave  to  mean  the  same. 

Most  nations  lose  their  liberty  by  sleep. 
Unceasing  care,  alone,  the  bliss  can  keep. 
Tyrannic  thieves  somniiic  portions  deal, 
Till  those  who  see  not  must  confess  they  feel 
Severe  exactions,  which  their  substance  draws, 
By  what  they  think  their  own  enacted  laws. 
O'er  all  your  actions  hold  untrammel'd  sway, 
Nor  by  alliances  be  led  astray  ; 
Nor  love  nor  hatred  of  your  neighbors  swerve 
You  from  the  rules  which  best  your  interests  serve. 
In  times  of  peace,  for  times  of  wrar  prepare, 
To  spread  the  means  of  knowledge  be  your  care. 
Let  Virtue  with  Religion's  aid  advance  ; 
Be  just ;  for  Justice  wrill  your  power  enhance  ; 
She  reverence  wins,  nor  brings  distrustful  fear, 
But  Yice  in  power  implies  a  danger  near 
To  both  yourselves  and  neighbors  ;  trust  not  then 
With  grave  affairs,  but  wise  and  honest  men  ; 
Their  life  and  conduct  ever  strictly  scan, 
For  as  the  private  is  the  public  man. 
Trust  not  the  weak,  though  honest,  for  a  fool 
Too  soon  of  cunning  knaves  becomes  the  tool ; 
These  make  well-meaning  statesmen  undermine 
The  structure  whose  protection  they  design. 
Unblest  by  wisdom,  Honesty  may  will, 
But  greatly  forward  knavery's  projects  still. 
The  public  good  to  private  interest  yields, 
When  Lobby  force  the  legislation  wields. 

Against  infatuation  always  guard, 
And  liberty  and  peace  will  well  reward  ; 
For  she,  dire  monster,  happy  States  o'erthrows, 
And  spreads  around  the  wrorld  devouring  foes. 


THE   FATAL   DISUNION.  525 

Against  her  reason  and  mild  virtue  war, 
And  with  her  adjuncts,  pride  and  ignorance,  jar  : 
But  she,  victorious  in  a  vulgar  throng, 
Extends  her  form,  and  sweeps  the  world  along. 

In  proper  friendship  with  your  neighbors  live, 
Improve  with  industry  what  heaven  may  give. 
Upon  each  other  mutually  depend, 
And  all  unto  each  brother's  wants  attend ; 
That  blissful  glory  through  my  race  may  flow, 
And  glad  my  spirit  in  the  shades  below. 

With  grateful  hearts  the  rev'rend  sire  they  hear, 
His  hoary  locks  and  kind  advice  revere, 
Declaring  loud  before  attesting  Jove 
And  all  the  pow'rs  that  rule  the  realms  above, 
To  heed  his  lore,  their  mother's  will  obey, 
And  only  act  as  she  directs  the  way. 

Soon,  Time  the  father  to  the  tomb  conveys, 
To  whom  proud  monuments  his  children  raise. 
Dark  vesture  round  the  shining  temple  spread, 
In  mournful  splendor  for  its  patron  dead  ; 
And  through  its  num'rous  halls  and  blooming  plains, 
Rais'd  lamentations  loud,  and  dolorous  strains  : 

Then  safe  directed  by  parental  hand, 
All  cultivate  their  patrimonial  land  : 
Between  each  column  of  the  federal  dome, 
A  door  unfolding  op'd  to  each  a  home  : 
Where  each  a  common  family  maintain'd 
In  local  bliss  ;  domestic  rules  ordain'd, 
And  furnish'd  laborers  for  the  general  weal, 
Distinguish'd  for  their  greatness  or  their  zeal. 

It  was  accordant  to  the  parent's  will 
That  sub-directors  should  her  laws  fulfill, 
While  she  supreme  in  quiet  glory  reign'd  ; 
For  that  her  children  call'd,  and  thus  ordain'd  : 

Illustrious  offspring,  by  my  guardian  pow'r 
These  rules  are  form'd  which  in  remembrance  store ; 
Perform  their  full  intent,  secure  from  blame, 
And  emulate  your  mighty  father's  fame, 


526  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENET. 

Who  pass'd  a  radiant  life  to  human  good, 
And  vanish'd  guiltless  of  his  country's  blood  ; 
Who  rais'd  this  temple,  gave  it  charms  divine, 
And  bade  me  govern  our  transcendent  line. 
Select  a  ruler  from  your  virtuous  peers, 
Who  safe  shall  lead  your  four  revolving  years ; 
Direct  the  manner  to  adorn  the  field, 
With  pleasure  to  my  sacred  precepts  yield, 
Deliver  true  description  of  his  deeds, 
And  honest  prove  of  all  the  States'  proceeds. 

To  whom  let  ev'ry  one  prefer  his  pray'r, 
And  sure  expect  a  second  father  there. 
But  if  invidious  to  your  rights  he  reign, 
Appeal  to  me,  that  he  from  wrong  refrain  ; 
Who,  if  rebellious,  then  persists  to  wield 
A  grievous  sceptre,  or  neglects  the  field, 
Shall  never  more  by  our  assent  command, 
Disgrac'd  and  banish'd  from  his  native  land ; 
A  parent's  heavy  curses  on  his  head, 
His  life  shall  darken,  nor  forsake  him  dead. 

With  high  concern  attend  to  justice'  scale  ; 
In  all  elections  let  the  just  prevail. 
From  them  you  need  not  fear  reproach  or  harm  ; 
Mere  justice  more  than  force  will  foes  disarm. 

Thus  speaks  the  parent,  loud  applauses  rise 
Through  all  the  dome,  and  echo  in  the  skies. 
The  question  offer'd,  which  of  all  the  train 
Was  most  endued  with  faculties  to  reign  ? 
Some  altercation  rose,  and  vain  debate, 
At  length  to  John  was  given  the  reins  of  state : 
A  person  fit  in  sovereign  rule  to  shine, 
The  second  glory  of  a  radiant  line  : 
But  soon,  alas !  the  libellers  began, 
As  shone  his  merit,  to  condemn  the  man  : 
But  he,  regardless  of  their  malice,  sway'd, 
And  for  their  comfort  ev'ry  one  obey'd  ; 
His  high  commands  with  secret  awe  were  heard ; 
Due  order  through  his  government  appear'd. 


THE  FATAL   DISUNION.  527 

The  fields  were  bright  with  cultivation's  charms, 

By  his  attention  shielded  safe  from  harms. 

The  beasts  of  prey  seem'd  conscious  of  his  pow'r, 

And  shunn'd  his  province  in  the  midnight  hour. 

He  liv'd  respected  by  the  neighboring  lords ; 

Return'd  their  insults  with  avenging  swords :  . 

But  rivals  clamor'd  he  too  long  retain'd 

The  envied  sceptre  that  his  merits  gain'd. 

For  short  it  suits  in  patriotic  zeal, 

To  shoulder  honors  for  the  public  weal ; 

Round  fame  and  riches  dwell  a  gloomy  throng, 

That  ever  charge  the  fortunate  with  wrong ; 

Or  just,  or  vicious,  slander  toils  the  same. 

And  who  is  prosperous  long,  is  charg'd  with  blame. 

A  flood  of  stigmas,  dark  as  night,  arise, 
Rage  round  the  land,  upborne  on  wings  of  lies. 
While  dark  the  cloud  of  defamation  low'rs, 
John's  reign  expires ;  on  Cam  devolves  his  pow'rs. 
To  prove  accordant  to  the  people's  will, 
And  be  the  object  of  indulgence  still. 
He  laws  ungrateful  to  the  mass  repeal'd, 
But  form'd  no  better,  though  defects  conceal'd  ; 
At  once  his  mother's  joy,  his  brother's  pride, 
All  lack  of  prudence  public  love  supplied  ; 
For  though  the  beasts  their  flocks  and  grain  despoil'd, 
Through  his  neglect,  his  fame  was  still  unsoil'd. 
In  him  his  votaries  blind  such  faith  repos'd, 
Calm  reason's  voice  had  not  his  acts  oppos'd  ; 
E'en  truthful  libels  caus'd  more  love  than  hate, 
A  certain  signal  of  the  wisdom  great, 
That  taught  him  to  no  longer  seek  to  sway, 
Than  twice  four  years,  and  with  the  rest  obey. 

Then  from  his  family  was  Modon  chose, 
A  worthy  man,  though  he  had  many  foes. 
A  just  dominion  o'er  them  long  he  held, 
While  all  the  fields  were  duly  fenc'd  and  till'd. 
But  party  interest  raising  causeless  hate, 
And  all  the  messengers  of  evil  fate, 


528  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIST. 

At  length  began  an  inauspicious  reign, 
The  wo  and  poverty  of  many  a  swain. 
The  monster,  Discord,  clad  in  darkness,  rose, 
"With  hideous  sceptre  spread  devouring  woes ; 
Through  all  the  dome  the  frightful  fury  storm'd, 
While  various  passions  many  a  face  deform'd. 
And  thus  to  fill  the  weaker  swains  with  rage, 
The  artful  leaders  war  loquacious  wage. 

I,  Lucius,  in  the  arms  of  freedom  born, 
Dare  all  my  rights  assert,  and  rulers  scorn  ; 
Against  their  pow'r  my  liberties  defend, 
Though  they  or  I  to  blackest  hell  descend. 
What  mean  complaisance  to  the  shapeless  thing, 
Gaul's  substitution  for  the  murder'd  king  ! 
For  four  long  years  must  Modon  still  remain, 
To  rule  our  ways,  and  all  my  wrath  be  vain  ? 
No,  heaven  attest,  if  yet  elections  fail, 
The  northern  sword  shall  o'er  the  south  prevail : 
Or  hence  withdraw,  and  evermore  disown 
The  unblest  pow'r  of  this  elective  throne. 
For  why,  subservient  to  the  whole,  should  we 
Obey  a  man  who  scarce  pretends  to  be 
Acquainted  with  our  plight,  or  northern  fields, 
And,  ever  partial,  to  his  neighbors  yields  ?' 
Are  there  no  worthies  in  my  local  train  ? 
Have  then  we  not  a  person  fit  to  reign  ? 
Ko,  not  while  tenants  of  the  southern  side, 
With  lies  delusive  simple  swains  provide ; 
They  still  my  father's  holy  precepts  shun, 
Whose  day  was  clos'd  ere  deed  of  fraud  begun. 
With  dark  collusion,  and  a  flood  of  lies, 
On  John  they  warr'd,  on  John  the  great  and  wise, 
Who  all  the  virtues  of  our  sire  possess'd, 
ControlPd  with  justice,  and  his  people  bless'd. 

Thus  he,  vehement ;  Gurus  thus  replies  : 
Cease,  rebel,  cease,  what  boundless  ire  supplies, 
That  poison  tongue,  intent  on  spreading  woes 
Through  all  our  mansions,  making  brothers  foes. 
Ev'n  now,  methinks,  I  see  thine  evil  hand, 


THE   FATAL   DISUNION.  529 

Spread  black  destruction  o'er  our  native  land  ; 

Cast  flames  and  terrors  through  this  boasted  dome, 

So  long  our  pride,  and  sign  of  bliss  to  come  : 

Is  it  for  this  the  mountain  nymph  displays 

Her  heavenly  charms  and  fills  with  joy  our  days  ? 

Or  has  the  King  of  Heaven,  by  kind  decree, 

On  us  bestow'd  the  bliss  of  liberty, 

That  all  who  lifted  by  undue  conceit, 

To  deem  him  fit  to  fill  the  regal  seat, 

Should  war  on  those  whom  merit  made  to  sway, 

And  teach  the  simple  swains  to  disobey 

The  holy  counsels  our  great  father  gave, 

Our  happiness  to  form,  and  state  to  save  ? 

To  our  good  mother  only  lies  appeal, — 

The  sacred  guardian  of  the  public  weal 

Will  soon  redress,  if  real  your  complaint, — 

For  she  on  all  imposes  just  constraint. 

But  see  the  commerce,  flocks,  and  heaps  of  grain, 

Declaring  Modon's  kind  and  prudent  reign : 

Divest  thyself  that  malicious  mind, 

If  evil  frailties  may  forsake  mankind  ; 

Pray  heaven  to  alter  thine  infernal  will, 

Love  harmony,  and  be  a  brother  still. 

Be  just  and  meekly  moderate,  wise  and  great, 

For  such  are  rulers  of  a  virtuous  state  ; 

While  those  who  on  insidious  arts  depend, 

And  discord  spread,  in  foul  disgrace  descend  ; 

Long  maledictions  dark'ning  on  their  name, 

They  live  despis'd,  condemned  to  damning  fame. 

Then  Lucius,  with  disgusted  mien,  rejoins  : 
How  easy  '  tis  to  charge  with  ill  designs, — 
When  your  arch  tongue  accustomed  to  deceive, 
Would  make  the  wav'ring  credulous  believe. 
'  Tis  ihou  who  seek'st  the  ruin  of  the  state, 
And  thy  compeers  ;  but  transient  is  their  date  ; 
A  time  will  come,  when  Modon  rules  no  more, 
But  lives  dependent  as  he  liv'd  of  yore, 
A  humble  shepherd,  ne'er  again  to  say, 
34 


530          POEMS  or  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIK. 

Go,  manage  thus,  and  we  submiss  obey. 
The  flocks  no  more  the  prosperous  air  retain, 
As  in  the  days  of  John's  auspicious  reign ; 
Who  faithful  to  his  parent's  precepts  stood, 
And  always  labor'd  much  for  human  good. 

'  Tis  meet  a  ruler  from  the  northern  side, 
Should  o'er  the  whole,  and  near  our  halls  preside  ; 
To  that  our  int'rest,  yea,  our  honor,  calls, 
Or  to  my  lot  or  his  the  sceptre  falls  ; 
But  if  I  sway,  I  sway  by  suffrage  free, 
Nor  brook  insults,  nor  want  advice  from  thee. 
Would'st  thou  rebuke,  or  better  ways  commend  ? 
Then  early  to  thy  own  defects  attend, 
Which  banish'd,  venture  to  assume  the  sage, 
Advise  mankind  and  mend  a  vicious  age. 

Thus  Lucius  speaks,  and  Gurus  thus  replies, 
While  from  their  votaries  ireful  shouts  arise  ; 
To  what  dire  length  will  thy  mad  fury  go, 
And  with  thyself  involve  the  whole  in  woe  ? 
Avaunt,  dark  monster,  leave  thy  native  land, 
Unworthy  as  thou  art  to  join  the  band 
That  annual  walks,  adorned  with  fragrant  flow'rs, 
Around  our  teeming  fields  and  shady  bow'rs. 
To  dread  Cocytus'  frightful  brink  retire. 
There,  with  thy  votaries,  glut  thy  fell  desire  ; 
And  with  the  furies  that  infest  thy  soul. 
Complain,  disturb,  and  rage  without  control. 
To  hell's  dire  monarch  and  Erinnys  tell, 
How  in  disgrace  their  faithful  agent  fell ; 
Go,  and  no  more,  inspir'd  by  lust  and  hate, 
Molest  the  members  of  a  virtuous  state. 

While  thus  they  jar,  a  messenger  appears, 
From  western  fields,  and  thus  express'd  his  fears : 
Our  country's  prospects,  once  with  hope  so  bright, 
Are  clouded  now  by  dangers  that  affright ; 
Alas,  unnumber'd  savage  tribes  combine, 
Who  general  slaughter  of  our  friends  design. 
Thus,  while  you  vainly  tarry  in  debate, 


THE   FATAL   DISUNION.  531 

Our  homes  and  lives  are  in  precarious  state  ; 
Perhaps  ere  long  the  Albion  king  may  come, 
And  while  we  wrangle,  fire  this  stately  dome. 
Or  take  us  captive  in  ill-fated  hour, 
Our  lives  dispose  of,  and  our  wealth  devour  : 
Then  quit  your  ragej  be  brother-friends  again, 
And  all  the  welfare  of  the  state  maintain. 

The  reckless  Lucian  throng  receive  with  sneers, 
The  dismal  tale,  and  ridicule  his  tears  ; 
And  thus  Clyanthus,  of  the  evil  band, 
One  disappointed  of  undue  command, 
Malignant  speaks  :  What  now  of  Modon's  reign, 
The  mighty  guardian  of  the  valued  plain  ? 
It  will  transpire  as  I  presag'd  before, 
Who  now  has  flocks  will  soon  have  flocks  no  more  ; 
Who  now  of  plenty  and  renown  can  boast, 
May  shortly  say  the  same  was  early  lost ; 
Since  Modon  governs,  whose  few  acts  betray 
His  total  incapacity  to  sway. 

Thus  aggravating  ev'ry  ill  event, 
Are  all  the  shafts  of  rage  and  envy  spent ; 
The  bad,  themselves  to  raise,  devour  the  good, 
Like  tigers  fattening  on  their  victim's  blood. 

An  Espialtes  now  informs  their  foes 
Of  civil  discord  and  domestic  woes. 
(A  meddling  fiend  who  fondly  pleas'd  the  great, 
And  at  his  brother's  cost,  a  foreign  state.) 
But  him  the  savage  king,  with  wrathful  breast, 
Eeceiv'd,  and  thus  the  trait'rous  fiend  address'd  : 

I  knew  thy  tidings  ere  thy  hateful  soul 
(That  mean  subservience  and  foul  lust  control,) 
Conceiv'd  the  base  intention  of  this  deed, 
By  which  your  kindred  or  near  friends  might  bleed, 
Or  groan  in  slav'ry  till  by  death  convey'd 
From  scenes  disgusting  to  eternal  shade  ; 
For  I  sly  emissaries  round  them  keep, 
Who  watch  them  while  they  unsuspecting  sleep, 
So  needless  is  thy  tale — for  soon  I  go 


532  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

To  waste  your  state  and  strike  the  dreadful  blow  : 
But  thou,  detested  wretch,  remain  a  slave, 
Curse  thy  black  deeds,  and  dig  thyself  a  grave. 
Soon  Modon  hears  the  foeman's  trumpets  sound 
On  distant  hills,  and  calls  his  friends  around, 
Thus  speaking :  Whence  shall  we  d*ue  forces  draw, 
To  check  the  foe  and  shield  the  public  law, 
Since  discord  with  relentless  fury  burns, 
Confounds  our  plans,  and  half  our  hopes  o'erturns  ? 
Must  this  bright  mansion,  pregnant  with  delight, 
Lose  freedom's  beams,  and  sink  in  mournful  night  ? 
The  happy  dynasty  our  sire  begun, 
And  all  the  honors  by  his  valor  won, 
At  once,  in  evil  day  and  dismal  hour, 
A  helpless  victim  fall  to  savage  power  1 — 
Oh  Heaven  forbid !  let  kind  entreaties  move 
The  rebel  faction  that  themselves  they  love ; 
Lest,  all  devoted  to  a  doleful  end, 
They  see  but  incense  to  their  rage  attend 
In  our  great  danger — and  deride  my  wo 
'Till  all  our  mansions  flame  before  the  foe ! 

Then  Ormus  thus  replies :  Two  friends  we  boast 
Bravery  and  Patriotism  are  not  lost : 
They  still  inspire  a  small  but  virtuous  band, 
Who  bold  will  combat  for  their  native  land  ; 
And  if  victorious  in  the  dreadful  field, 
Would  fierce  return  and  make  the  rebels  yield. 
But  first  entreat  them  by  our  parent's  aid, 
The  matchless  beauties  of  the  sacred  maid, 
And  holy  precepts  which  our  father  gave, 
Who  travell'd  glorious  to  the  peaceful  grave. 

Then  Modon  swiftly  at  their  sev'ral  doors 
Depicts  their  peril  and  their  aid  implores — 
When  all  launch  forth  their  warriors  to  the  plain 
But  six  (the  northern)  families  remain ; 
To  them  he  prays,  appeals,  and  pleads  in  vain. 

The  guardian  mother  then  in  wild  despair, 
Forsakes  her  mansion  with  dishevell'd  hair, 


THE   FATAL    DISUNION.  533 

And  tears  fast  flowing  down  her  face  divine  : 
Now  traits  of  anger,  now  of  pity  shine — 
"While  she  recounts  the  num'rous  favors  shown 
To  those  who,  base,  her  tender  cares  disown : 
While  she  recounts  the  lore  their  father  gave 
Their  happiness  to  form  and  state  to  save'; 
The  heavy  curses  that  would  swift  pursue, 
And  make  them  long  the  fatal  error  rue  ; 
But  fruitless  urges — Lucius  thus  replies : 
Respected  mother,  are  we  not  too  wise 
To  join  in  war  I     Convinced  that  bliss  is  peace, 
We  would  that  this  unjust  contention  cease. 
5Twas  mad  imprudence  on  our  kindred's  part, 
To  vex  the  strong  Irom  peaceful  rules  depart, 
And  give  a  parent  this  vast  load  of  grief, 
For  which  we  mourn,  but  cannot  grant  relief— 
Since  solemn  treaties  we  should  not  invade, 
And  such,  as  neutrals,  with  the  foe  we  made. 
Firm  pledg'd  our  honor,  sacred  to  maintain, 
Before  the  Ruler  of  the  aerial  reign ; 
And  will  a  mother,  duteous  to  her  young, 
Against  their  God  and  honor  urge  to  wrong ! 

The  parent  heard  and  sigh'd  with  mournful  look, 
And  thus  indignant  to  the  rebel  spoke  : 

O  words  ungrateful  to  a  mother's  soul ! 
Thou  speak'st  insulting  and  against  control, 
First  counter  to  her  holy  precepts  run, 
You  bar  repentance  with  the  injury  done,  • 

Fly,  traitor  to  thyself  and  country,  far 
From  fields  of  glory  and  defensive  war  ! 
Go  with  my  curses — may  dread  dreams  devour 
Thy  rest,  and  spectres  haunt  thy  midnight  hour. 
For  this  rebellion,  from  my  seats  I  go, 
Oppress'd  with  sorrow  and  o'er wh elm' d  with  wo  ; 
A  deep,  ah !  mournful  gloom  shall  shroud  my  course, 
While  fated  troubles  sting  thee  with  remorse ; 
While  groans  distressful  burst  along  the  air, 
And  clouds  look  angry  with  the  souls  they  bear, 


534:  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Untimely  by  thy  hideous  treason  hurl'd 

From  this  once  favor'd  but  now  damned  world. 

Devourers  dire  shall  waste  yon  blooming  plains, 

And  all  your  race  be  held  in  slavery's  chains ; 

This  dome  shall  soon  in  angry  names  expire, 

Ah,  filial  hands'  will  light  my  funeral  pyre  ! 

But  oft  in  sadness  will  my  shade  be  seen, 

And  call'd  of  former  days  the  blissful  queen, 

While  oft  these  words  are  heard :  "  Too  late  our  prayer, 

A  parent's  loss,  and  guilty  wounds  we  bear ; 

Oh  must  we  living  be  sore-burden'd  slaves, 

And  fame  with  infamy  o'ercloud  our  graves !" 

Now  Mod  on  with  his  faithful  few  departs, 
With  wise  harangues  pours  courage  in  their  hearts ; 
And  soon  approaching  near  the  intruding  foe, 
From  mountain  high  surveys  their  force  below, 
As  numerous  as  leaves  that  strew  the  vale, 
Or  snows  descending  on  the  wintry  gale — 
The  unexpected  numbers  come  to  sight, 
Destroy  his  hopes  and  whelm  his  soul  in  night ; 
His  followers  pause ;  in  solemn  silence  stand ; 
Behold  the  foe,  and  mourn  their  native  land, 
Till  Ormus  thus  the  still  amazement  ends : 
How  dire  our  plight,  what  fearful  cloud  impends ! 
A  savage  foe  before,  a  pest  behind — 
To  which  should  be  our  last  great  rage  confin'd  ? 
If  on  the  former  we  infuriate  fly, 
Our  fate  is  certain — to  be  slaves  or  die ! 
In  slavery  or  in  death,  while  that  first  cause 
Of  all  our  woe  a  pleasure  from  it  draws  ? 
With  force  superior  why  should  we  contend, 
When  justice  calls,  her  glory  to  defend  ? 
Then  leave  the  foe — against  the  rebels  turn  ; 
Fierce  through  their  mansions  let  the  «ombat  burn, 
That  they  and  we  alike  in  ruin  fall, 
And  death  and  slav'ry  be  the  doom  of  all ! 

When  Modon  thus :  They  well  deserve  the  fate, 
Adverse  to  counsels  of  our  parents  great :  • 


THE   FATAL   DISUNION.  535 

But  leave  revenge  to  Heaven's  omniscient  Power — 

The  friend  of  virtue  will  their  peace  devour  ; 

Though  slow  to  anger,  he  will  timely  send, 

Of  evil  actions  the  reproachful  end — 

Unnumber'd  mis'ries,  conscience  fraught  with  fears, 

Self-accusations  and  repentant  tears. 

If  we  be  vanquished  in  the  stormy  field, 

Their  future  destiny  with  ours  is  seal'd ; 

The  law  of  nations  is  the  law  of  pow'r, 

The  greater  kingdoms  will  the  less  devour. 

If  disunited  states  reject  their  sway, 

Part  follows  part  till  all  is  swept  away. 

Our  luckless  brothers,  by  the  furies  driven, 

Involve  the  whole  and  urge  the  wrath  of  heaven. 

Of  us  secure,  the  foe  will  not  withhold 

His  conquering  sword  for  treaties,  bribes,  and  gold ; 

But  they  will  captive  from  their  lands  be  torn 

To  serve  the  men  whom  erst  they  hold  in  scorn. 

Thus  Modon  speaks,  when  all  consent  to  move 
Against  the  foe,  and  each  his  valor  prove ; 
And  swift  they  rush  to  fight ;  loud  shouts  arise, 
Thick  flash  their  weapons ;  darkness  blots  the  skies. 
The  neighboring  mountains  quake  with  dire  alarms, 
Resounding  with  the  odious  din  of  arms ;  * 

More  loud  than  when  the  vex'd  Atlantic  roars, 
To  curian  winds  against  the  coral  shores  ; 
Or  when  through  gloomy  heaven  the  thunder  rolls, 
Awes  the  wide  world  and  shakes  the  distant  poles  ; 
With  horrid  toil  the  valiant  warriors  bend, 
And  grac'd  with  streaming  wounds  to  death  descend : 
Their  chief  in  front  a  crimson  sword  displays, 
In  hottest  combat  Cam  and  Ormus  blaze, 
Alike  determined  not  to  spare  or  fly ; 
But  live  victorious,  or  with  glory  die. 

The  contest  long  in  dreadful  poise  remain'd 
The  savage  king  at  length  the  victory  gain'd — 
Nor  stopp'd ;  but  forward  like  the  boreal  storm 
Or  raging  whirlwinds  that  the  deep  deform 


536  POEMS    OF   THOMAS   HEDGES    GENE*. 

Pursues  success  ;  pursuing  which,  destroys 
The  fences,  herds,  and  seats  of  former  joys  ; 
And  soon  profanes  the  Temple's  hallow'd  floor, 
Its  riches  sacks,  and  bids  the  flames  devour  ; 
"When  from  their  mansions  all  the  Lucian  train 
Forth  rushing,  of  the  barb'rous  act  complain— 
And  Lucius  thus :  Behold,  O  king,  our  home 
Is  form'd  by  part  of  this  extensive  dome ; 
To  burn  the  halls  of  vanquish'd  Modon,  all 
The  wealth  and  shelter  of  your  friends  must  fall 
In  sad  combustion — our  distresses  heed, 
A  gen'rous  tribute  shall  reward  the  deed ; 
To  our  last  treaty's  solemn  voice  attend, 
Let  that  protect  us,  and  our  sorrows  end ; 
By  that,  as  neutrals,  if  we  would  remain, 
A  splendid  commerce  through  thy  wide  domain 
Thou  promis'd  long  should  last  and  safe  to  guard, 
Now  heed  our  state  and  give  the  full  reward. 

The  king,  regardless  of  his  prayers  .and  cries, 
At  all  his  miseries  laughs,  and  thus  replies  : 

But  Modon's  tribes  are  those  on  whom  I  war, 
The  same  with  whom  yourself  was  wont  to  jar ; 
Can  passion  only  men  of  sense  divide, 
When  %11  their  interest  are  so  near  allied  ? 
Perhaps  the  trust  was  not  perceived  before, 
Then  thank  the  fates  you're  wiser  than  of  yore. 
Can  you  in  Modon's  foe  expect  a  friend  ? 
What  wounds  the  arm  must  sure  the  head  offend. 
If  you'll  transpierce  a  stone  of  various  hues 
And  only  one  of  all  its  dies  pertuse, 
I'll  use  endeavors  to  protect  your  wealth, 
Take  none  by  open  warfare,  none  by  stealth ; 
Else  all  must  go ;  but  thou,  of  home  bereav'd, 
Wilt  in  my  real  a  menial  be  received. 

The  arch  king. thus,  while  Lucius  heard  in  tears, 
The  folly  mourning  of  his  former  years  ; 
Then  to  his  friends  in  frantic  fury  hies, 
His  friends  salute  him  thus,  with  dismal  cries  : 


THE   FATAL    DISUNION. 


537 


Where  now  is  Modon  and  his  valiant  band  ? 
The  once  great  bulwark  of  our  native  land  ; 
By  acts  presumptuous  we  from  him  withdrew, 
Which  sowed  the  seed  from  which  this  evil  grew  ; 
And  thou  the  cause  !  oh,  could 'st  thou  be  so  blind  ! 
Once  prescient  deem'd,  and  skill'd  in  human  kind  ! 
O,  had  we  listen'd  to  our  parent's  will, 
This  dome  had  shone  in  peaceful  splendor  still ; 
Our  shepherds  fondly  sought  the  flow'ry  plain, 
And  we  not  seen  our  gen'rous  kindred  slain  ; 
Or  thou  hadst  never  been — thy  syren  tongue 
To  list'ners  fond  no  fatal  ditties  sung. 

Thus  they  sore  griev'd,  and  Lucius  thus  replies  : 
I  see  my  follies  ;  but  too  late  made  wise, 
Cannot  redress — for  chains  or  death  prepare  ! 
Against  such  mighty  foes  'tis  vain  to  war  ; 
Our  solemn  treaty  should  abatement  plead, 
Yea,  have  averted  this  ungrateful  deed  ; 
But  now  we  'wait  a  tyrant's  hard  decree, 
A  curse,  O  parent,  for  the  loss  of  thee ; 
In  various  forms  thou  haunt'st  me  while  I  sleep, 
O  that  I  slumber'd  under  mountains  deep  ! 
This  conscience  banish'd,  and  my  suffering  peers 
No  more  approached  me,  grac'd  with  scalding  tears. 

Thus  he  and  all  exhibit  deep  regret — 
Their  day  of  liberty  in  darkness  set 
To  rise  no  more  ;  confin'd  in  dreary  gloom 
Mid  cries  arising  from  a  parent's  tomb  ! 

And  when  the  last  destructive  flames  expir'd, 
The  foe  with  frolic  rage  and  plunder  tired, 
Relentless  drive  the  weeping  Lucian  train 
Beyond  the  limits  of  their  ancient  reign. 
With  dismal  hearts  and  languid  step  they  go, 
Oft  looking  back  (while  briny  sorrows  flow) 
To  view  their  paradise ;  but  all  had  fled — 
The  groves  were  withered  and  the  flow'rs  were  dead  : 
They  saw  drear  slavery's  hated  cup  before, 
And  mus'd  of  better  davs  to  come  no  more, 


538  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GE^IN. 


LAWKENCE. 

KIND  Hesper  saw  distress'd  our  peaceful  star, 
Set  in  the  dread  tumultuous  sea  of  war  ; 
Whose  dismal  reign  of  slaughter,  ruin,  wo, 
Bespeaks  its  birth  with  Satan's  sway  below  ; 
Where  first  it  rag'd,  when  his  rebellious  arms, 
Spread  discord  wild  above  and  dire  alarms, 
And  heaven's  tremendous  Sov'reign  headlong  hurl'd 
Him  and  his  legions  to  the  burning  w^orld. 
But  soon  the  guardian  genius,  joyful  smil'd, 
When  Bainbridge,  Hull,  Decatur,  Britain  foil'd, 
With  Lawrence,  bravest  of  the  mighty  brave, 
Who  now  lamented  moulders  in  the  grave ; 
To  whom  the  muses  dedicate  their  lyre. 
And  hail  his  honor'd  shade  with  hallow'd  fire. 

Far  on  the  rolling  deep  a  ship  he  spied, 
Nor  saw  content,  the  voice  of  glory  cried  : 
Why  rests  my  Lawrence  passive  in  the  bay, 
While  his  proud  foes  presumptuous  plow  yon  way  ? 
Have  not  sufficient  honors  been  decreed 
For  former  victory,  to  renew  the  deed  ? 

In  restless  plight  he  heard  the  sacred  sound, 
And  joyful  call'd  his  gen'rous  heroes  round ; 
With  patriot  ardor  all  their  souls  inspires, 
To  rival  combats,  which  the  world  admires. 
The  list'ning  bands,  exalted  by  his  voice, 
Applaud  the  high  design  and  loud  rejoice  ; 
The  ship  unmoor,  the  sails  extend  to  wind, 
And  glide  the  deep  and  leave  the  shore  behind. 
Xow  gleaming  lightnings  cast  portentous  glare  ; 
Dark  rolling  clouds  around  the  ships  appear  ; 
Dread  thunders  roar  ;  the  bullets  furious  fly, 
Glance  on  the  deep,  and  scale  the  murky  sky. 
Soon  grappling  fast,  dire  horrors  thicken  round, 


LAWRENCE.  539 

Loud  dying  groans  join  the  tremendous  sound  ; 
Gregarious  deaths  dart  swift  011  fatal  wing  ; 
Weapons  on  weapons  clash  ;  red  sabres  ring  ; 
Dire  grenades  fly  ;  the  cannon  ceaseless  ro  ar 
In  stormy  fight,  and  Lawrence  breathes  no  more  : 
Ere  this,  some  winged  death  had  borne  him  far 
From  earthly  troubles  and  tumultuous  war ; 
A  light  malignant  gleam'd  on  Hesper's  throne, 
His  radiant  stars  in  mournful  glory  shone 
On  silent  cliffs,  and  rais'd  the  fairy  m.oan  ; 
When  thus  he  spoke  :  O  son  of  freedom's  soil ! 
Thou  sleep'st  in  glory  from  thy  dreadful  toil ; 
Unfading  honors  shall  upon  thee  wait, 
And  deathless  fame  record  thy  hapless  fate  : 
Thy  name  shall  flourish  in  remembrance  dear ; 
And  oft  for  thee  shall  flow  the  patriot  tear. 

Thus  he  addressed  him  from  his  throne  sublime, 
When  faint  he  fell  in  honor's  field  divine, 
And  loud  exclaim'd,  with  fast  decaying  breath, 
"  Do  not  give  up  the  ship,"  and  sunk  in  death. 

Now  fairy  forms  in  many  a  mournful  band, 
Dejected  wander  o'er  his  native  land ; 
Through  midnight's  solemn  shade  or  blazing  noon, 
And  ceaseless  thus  lament  the  hero's  doom. 
Lawrence,  the  gen'rous,  bold  and  brave, 

Sinks  untimely  to  the  grave  : 

Gen'rous,  brave  and  bold  was  he, 

Who  fell  in  fight  on  yonder  sea. 

Long  his  loss  his  friends  will  mourn, 

Long  with  flow'rs  his  grave  adorn  ; 

Ne'er  forget  his  honor'd  name, 

Seal'd  with  everlasting  fame. 
Solemn  sound  the  fun'ral  knell, 

Airy  forms,  and  mourning  tell, 

The  plaintive  shade  of  Lawrence  dead, 

A  nation's  tears  are  for  him  shed. 


540  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 


KOSSALINDA. 

AH  !  Rossalinda,  art  thou  fled 
To  gloomy  regions  of  the  dead  : 
The  blush  of  youth  and  beauty  gone, 
To  never,  never  more  return  ? 

Like  visions  pass  the  proud  away 
From  whence  they  came  to  senseless  clay  : 
The  breast  that  once  disdain' d  to  see 
An  equal  live,  is  cold  as  thee. 

Though  blest  with  wealth,  and  dazzling  charms, 
Death's  angel  comes,  the  grave  alarms, 
And  all  thy  future  prospects  bright, 
Are  swiftly  whelm'd  in  mournful  night. 

Amidst  glad  scenes  and  youthful  days, 
While  hope  her  brightest  star  displays, 
What  sudden  darkness  round  is  spread  ! 
How  soon  are  human  pleasures  fled  ! 

While  wand'ring  life's  tempestuous  stream, 
Fair  signs  portend,  but  dimly  seen  ; 
Man  thoughtless  strikes  the  fatal  shore, 
Devoted  to  return  no  more. 


PASTORALS. 


PASTOKAL    FIKST. 


SPRING. 

BESIDE  Peconock's  shaded  river  rov'd 
Two  blooming  youths  by  tender  passions  mov'd. 
By  artless  nature  rul'd,  the  twain  reveal'd 
What  more  dissembling  lovers  had  conceal'd  : 
One  sung  the  beauties  of  his  virtuous  fair  ; 
The  other  ru'd  his  choice  in  deep  despair ; 
He  hail'd  Melinda,  whom  he  once  deceived  ; 
And  so,  his  breast  of  happiness  bereaved. 
To  him  the  ghost  of  buried  days  appears, 
While  thus  he  tells  his  errors,  hopes  and  fears : 

When  first  soft  passions  mov'd  my  youthful  breast, 
Melinda,  fair  and  kind,  my  heart  possess'd. 
Her  from  the  cradle  I  had  friendly  known  ; 
But  fate  our  suit  denied  at  fortune's  frown. 
Once,  mov'd  by  soul-subduing  love,  I  swore 
By  all  that  angels,  heaven  and  earth  adore, 
That  she  was  mine,  and  I  would  constant  be, 
Though  wide  between  us  roll'd  the  boisterous  sea  : 
Still,  I  departed  from  the  promise  made, 
And  solemn  rites  in  Mammon's  temple  paid : 
A  youth,  to  virtue's  heavenly  reign  unknown, 
Who  reverent  bow'd  at  pride  or  anger's  throne, 
Allur'd  me  from  the  path  that  nature  chose. 


542  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Ah !  for  vain  gold  my  life  was  stung  with  woes. 

Why  did  I  thoughtlessly  in  wedlock  join 

With  one  whose  will  can  never  yield  to  mine ; 

Who  feels  no  love,  and  has  no  fear  to  wound 

My  wretched  heart  in  legal  fetters  bound. 

'  Twas  on  a  luckless  day,  and  evil  hour, 

When  stars  malignant  o'er  my  fate  had  power, 

That  Ave  with  garlands  green  adorn'd  our  brows, 

And  spousal  rites  perform'd  with  empty  vows. 

I  now  will  wander  in  the  shades  forlorn 

Of  thickest  forests,  and  Melinda  mourn, 

Who  well  remembers,  with  a  just  disdain, 

The  faithless  Pleuron  she  engag'd  in  vain. 

By  dimpled  rills  my  future  hours  I  '11  spend, 

And  sadly  sing  of  her  who  was  my  friend. 

Repentant  tears  shall  oft  bedew  the  ground, 

While  plaintive  strains,  with  murmuring  streams,  resound  ; 

Or,  from  some  ragged  cliff,  projecting  high, 

Make  fatal  leap,  and  for  my  follies  die. 

Thus  Pleuron  sung ;  the  mild  Peconock  wears 
A  pensive  brightness  to  the  swain  in.  tears. 
To  him  the  pines,  with  pity,  seem  to  glow, 
And  gazing  flocks  a  mute  compassion  show. 
While  Mydon,  on  the  neighboring  grass  reclin'd, 
Divulged  the  dictates  of  a  happier  mind  : 

Amanda,  fairest  of  sweet  beauty's  train, 
Now  strays  beyond  the  hoarse  tempestuous  main. 
Her  blooming  vizage  sheds  enchanting  light, 
That  moves  my  heart,  and  feeds  my  ravish'd  sight. 
More  fragrant  odors  fill  the  blossom'd  groves, 
And  nature  smiles  as  she  displays  her  loves. 
The  kind  expression  of  her  pleasing  eyes 
Enchains  my  soul,  and  heaves  my  breast  with  sighs. 
Delightful  accents  play'd  upon  her  tongue, 
When,  in  these  flow'ry  groves,  she  tuneful  sung  ; 
And,  uttering  truths  divine,  dispers'd  the  gloom 
That  sadly  hovers  o'er  the  swallowing  tomb. 
The  strains  melodious  seem'd  to  charm  the  breeze, 


PASTORALS.  543 

And  wake  attention  in  the  blooming  trees. 
Though  fickle  fortune  on  her  beauty  frowns, 
Celestial  virtue  our  connection  crowns ; 
Unites  by  friendship  and  endearing  love, 
Unfading  bands,  by  truth  and  nature  wove  ! 
May  prosperous  gales  attend  her  o'er  the  deep, 
And  balmy  pleasures  lull  her  cares  to  sleep  ! 
Fly  swift,  ye  rosy  hours,  till  she  returns ! 
Nor  linger,  while  impatient  Mydon  mourns  ! 

As  thus  he  sung,  sad  Pleuron  comes  along  ; 
Alternate,  then,  they  tell  their  thoughts  in  song. 

Pleu.  May  nature  waste,  the  hills  in  smoke  decay, 
Pale  death  transport  me  from  these  scenes  away, 
If  I  again  with  mortal  woman  join, 
Unless  that  mortal's  will  conform  with  mine  ; 
As  curling  ivy,  grown  around  the  trees, 
Bends  with  their  limbs  to  every  passing  breeze ; 
Caress'd  and  prais'd  Amelia  heard  my  pray'r, 
But  now  disdainful  scorns  my  love  to  share. 
Alas  !  the  sylvan  scenes  no  pleasure  give  : 
Melinda  lost,  her  Pleuron  hates  to  live. 

Myd.  In  vain  you  mourn  a  wo-begetting  choice, 
And  waste,  to  heedless  winds,  a  wailing  voice. 
Grief  ne'er  averted  fate's  resistless  sway  ; 
No  soothing  pleasures  turn  his  shafts  away. 
May  resignation  to  the  eternal  king 
A  lasting  comfort  to  thy  miseries  bring  ; 
A  humble  spirit  move  thy  sorrowing  mind, 
To  own  th'  affliction  just ;  to  heaven  resign'd, 
On  wings  of  hope  from  present  evils  soar, 
Nor  deem  the  lov'd  one  will  be  thine  no  more. 
What  folly  lost  good  fortune  may  restore. 
With  happy  flocks  beside  the  rivers  rove  ; 
Inhale  the  fragrance  of  the  smiling  grove  ; 
Till  roll  the  wheels  of  time  to  that  glad  hour, 
When,  on  thy  bosom,  blooms  th'  enrapturing  flower, 
And  kind  oblivion  buries  all  your  harms 
In  the  sweet  circle  of  Melinda's  arms : 


5-14  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

While  milder  breezes  on  the  waters  play, 
And  happier  strains  amuse  the  passing  day : 
While  roses,  with  increasing  blushes,  glow, 
And  waters,  in  more  gentle  murmurs,  flow. 

Pleu.  A  dreary  sadness  hovers  o'er  the  plain  ; 
The  flow'rets  blush,  the  riv'lets  flow  in  vain  : 
Each  passing  breeze  some  dismal  message  bears, 
By  forms  unseen,  low  whisper'd  in  my  ears. 
E'en  hope,  like  blasted  flower,  within  me  dies. 
Each  rising  prospect  swims  before  my  eyes. 
The  golden  time,  youth's  blissful  dream,  is  o'er : 
Melinda's  angel  smile  will  charm  no  more. 
These  perjur'd  lips  shall  to  the  groves  complain, 
Until  I  plunge  in  yonder  roaring  main. 

Myd.  Ye  powers  benevolent,  endless  source  of  good ! 
Safe  waft  Amanda  o'er  the  stormy  flood. 
On  her  mild  face  the  lily's  whiteness  blows, 
"With  brilliant  crimson  of  the  fragrant  rose. 
In  her  fair  presence  rival  beauties  yield, 
Like  Luna,  when  Sol  fires  her  silver  field, 
Unheard,  the  waters  flow,  and  breezes  sigh, 
And  larks,  unnoticed,  rove  the  liquid  sky  ; 
If  she  withdraws,  the  birds  are  seen  to  play, 
With  noisy  murmur,  riv'lets  steal  away, 
And  lambent  zephyrs  from  the  deep  arise, 
Kiss  the  sweet  blooms,  and  fill  the  air  with  sighs. 
On  hope  I  rest ;  nor  Pleuron  hopes  in  vain. 
Dejected  Pleuron  woo'd  vain  wealth  to  vain. 
Oh !  sad  result  of  nuptials  void  of  love  ! 
May  this  to  other  swains  a  warning  prove  ! 

Pleu.  Farewell,  sweet  scenes  of  youth  !  ye  shady  bowers, 
Clear  sounding  streams,  gay  flocks,  and  dulcet  flowers, 
And  thou,  Melinda,  innocent  and  fair  ; 
The  guiltless  author  of  my  love's  despair  ! 
For  you  I  mourn,  a  prey  to  cruel  wo, 
And  deep  in  caves  of  boundless  ocean  go. 
By  fortune  curs'd  with  too  severe  a  doom, 
Dejected  Pleuron  seeks  a  watery  tomb. 


PASTORALS.  545 

Myd.  She  comes,  and  round  her  glows  superior  day  ; 
Celestial  beauties  on  her  visage  play. 
The  flocks,  unmindful  of  their  pasture,  view 
Her  tread  the  meadows  wet  with  glistening  dew. 
More  fragrant  odors  seem  to  fill  the  grove, 
And  all  the  graces  in  my  lov'd  one  move. 
Kind  nature  brightens  in  each  budding  tree, 

O  O  " 

And  happy  myriads  tune  their  voice  for  me. 
But  hapless  Pleuron  goes  in  mournful  way 
O'er  yon  pale  cliff,  towards  the  boundless  sea. 
Where  faint  he  walks,  responsive  to  his  woes, 
The  lordly  sun  more  pale  effulgence  throws. 
Ye  heavenly  powers,  console,  or  lead  his  breath 
In  easy  slumbers  through  the  shades  of  death. 


PASTOEAL    SECOND. 

SUMMER. 

As  o'er  the  fields  Sol  held  his  sultry  reign, 
While  weary  reapers  left  the  scorching  plain, 
And  panting  flocks,  beneath  their  shepherds'  care, 
Retir'd,  the  banquet  of  the  shade  to  share  ; 
In  sweet  content,  beside  a  fountful  hill, 
Where,  winding  devious,  flow'd  a  murm'ring  rill, 
Sat  tuneful  Nireus,  with  his  warbling  lyre, 
Whose  tender  strains  diffus'd  a  living  fire : 
As,  through  the  groves,  the  witching  music  ran, 
In  pleasing  accents,  Nireus  thus  began : 

Come,  weary  swains,  beside  this  breezy  hill, 
Where,  constant  murm'ring,  flows  a  crystal  rill, 
Where  lofty  trees,  with  foliage  green,  display 
A  cooling  prospect,  in  this  sultry  day ; 
Here,  if  you  thirst,  the  lucid  water  flows, 
And  bending  grass  invites  you  to  repose. 
35 


546  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

Lo !  Daphne  comes  o'er  yonder  crystal  stream  ! 

And  where  she  walks  fresh  morning's  beauties  beam. 

An  osier  basket  and  a  bowl  she  bears ; 

This,  fraught  with  milk,  and  that  with  dulcet  pears. 

My  Daphne,  welcome  to  this  cool  retreat, 

Secure  from  fervid  Sol's  oppressive  heat ! 

Dap.  The  yellow  harvest  hides  the  fruitful  soil, 
And  kindly  pays  us  for  our  irksome  toil. 
When  winter  cold  resumes  his  hoary  reign, 
And  binds  our  country  with  an  icy  chain, 
A  gentle  dove,  within  thy  sheltering  door, 
Shall  oft  remind  thee  of  th'  unhappy  poor. 
For  know,  tho'  blest,  thy  stay  is  transient  here  ; 
Wait  Heaven's  high  will,  and  Charity  revere. 
As  late,  in  yonder  bower,  sleep  seal'd  my  eyes, 
Her  heavenly  form  arose,  or  seem'd  to  rise 
In  fleeting  vision,  and  dissolve  away 
Like  dancing  forms  we  in  the  stream  survey. 
Daphne,  she  said,  with  sweet,  enchanting  voice, 
In  God's  just  bounty  may  your  heart  rejoice. 
If,  cross'd  by  fate,  less  happy  swains  there  be, 
Perform  for  them  the  part  of  heaven  to  thee. 
While  spoke  the  Phantom,  she  resolv'd  to  air  ; 
Her  voice  melodious  still,  methinks,  I  hear  ; 
Still  see  her  visage  bright  with  heavenly  joy, 
And  virtue's  luxuries  that  never  cloy. 
Partake  the  grateful  food,  ye  worthy  swains, 
While  Daphne  tries  to  please  with  humble  strains  : 
'Twas  here,  Amanda,  rosy  maid  ! 

Led  joy  triumphant  round  the  shade, 

Till  disappointment  nipt  her  bloom  ; 

Then  languish'd  pale  in  sorrow's  gloom  ; 

Lone,  wander'd  thro'  forsaken  bowers 

Unblest,  while  Spring  rejoic'd  the  hours  ; 

And,  when  her  lover's  fate  was  told, 

She  fell  in  death's  embraces  cold. 

Where  blooms  she  now,  may  shepherd  tell  ? 

Perhaps  with  him  she  lov'd  so  well 


PASTORALS.  547 

Disports  her  native  fields  around, 

And  joyful  hears  her  harp  resound. 

Remembrance  often  haunts  yon  plains 

To  drink  her  soft  melodious  strains, 

And  view  her  dance  along  the  grove 

As  light  as  airy  visions  rove. 

Orlando  !  sweetly  temper'd  youth, 

Mild  Plautus  !  son  of  love  and  truth, 

Ye  liv'd  to  mourn  that  faded  flower, 

But  I,  surviving,  all  deplore. 

Your  tuneful  strains  of  other  days, 

That  wail'd  her  fall  and  told  her  praise, 

Still  float  along  the  wild  of  years, 

And  Daphne  fancies  still  she  hears. 

O  could  she  make  the  harp  you  gave 

Resume  the  tones  it  used  to  have, 

Again,  methinks,  the  flocks  would  rove 

Unknown  of  all  that  throng  the  grove. 

This  tuneful  harp,  ye  strung  of  yore, 

Amanda  gave  to  fame  before  : 

Some  future  day  'twill  seem  to  mourn  . 

For  Nireus  from  his  Daphne  torn. 

It  oft  shall  dulcet  tones  supply, 

While  we  beneath  the  green  turf  lie  ; 

Nor  longer  walk  these  groves  along, 

And  only  live  in  shepherd's  song. 
Nir.  What  soothing  zephyr  gave  thy  tuneful  breath 
The  wondrous  powers  that  call  our  friends  from  death, 
To  seem  the  same  as  when  they  triumph 'd  here, 
And  sung  the  beauties  of  the  rolling  year  ! 
When  kind  Orlando  tun'd  his  melting  lyre, 
And  utter 'd  tones  that  heavenly  thoughts  inspire. 
When  Plautus,  listening  to  the  moving  strains, 
Forgot  his  flocks  that  roam'd  in  yonder  plains  ; 
Confess'd  their  charm,  with  many  a  joyful  tear, 
And  saw  fresh  flowrets  grace  Amanda's  bier. 
Her  form  revives  in  thy  sad  dulcet  strains  ; 
Again  she  dances  o'er  the  blooming  plains ; 


548  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDOES   GENIN. 

Again  she  pines  in  hopeless  love  and  dies  ; 

Again  death  stops  her  tuneful  voice  and  seals  her  eyes. 

Dap.  As  runs  yon  river  to  the  sounding  main, 
We  pass  to  dust,  and  meet  our  friends  again. 
To  their  green  graves  indulgent  fancy  strays, 
Conversing  with  the  scenes  of 'other  days. 
The  pleasing,  mournful  strains,  once  taught  to  flow, 
When  Plautus'  death  Orlando  stung  with  wo, 
Still  move  the  soul.     In  evening's  tranquil  reign, 
When  silver  Cynthia  lights  the  glimmering  main 
I  '11  tune  the  lyre  that  he  bequeath'd  to  me, 
And  praise  his  virtues  which  respire  in  thee. 
In  his  kind  arms  I  spent  my  tender  years  : 
He  taught  my  mind,  and  hush'd  my  infant  fears. 
From  him  I  learn'd  the  melting  song  to  pour, 
To  love  our  race,  enjoy  the  fleeting  hour  ; 
Recall  of  pleasures  past  the  image  dear, 
Exalt  the  mind  and  swell  the  joyful  tear. 

Nir.  Remember'st  thou  our  friendship's  vernal  day, 
When  e'en  while  watching  lambs  we  let  them  stray  ? 
From  weeping  clouds  descended  milder  showers  ; 
The  teeming  meadows  blush'd  with  brighter  flowers  ; 
Regardless  of  the  stream,  we  saw  it  flow, 
And  O  I  joy'd  to  hear  the  thunder  so  ; 
Because  it  frighten'd  from  her  quiet  nest 
A  gentle  dove,  and  drove  her  to  my  breast. 

Da/p.  The  tender  sighs,  the  music  of  that  spring, 
The  gentle  doves  to  my  remembrance  bring. 
In  that  kind  mirror  of  our  early  love, 
What  happy  scenes  the  soul  with  gladness  move ! 
The  tales  of  hope  were  true,  by  yonder  fields  ; 
Consenting  fortune  to  our  wishes  yields. 
But  see  the  sun  in  watery  clouds  descends, 
And  o'er  the  land  collected  storm  impends  : 
With  louder  sound  the  riv'lets  cross  the  plains  ; 
The  owl,  portentous,  in  the  woods  complains : 
The  prostrate  harvest  waits  thy  timely  care  ; 
For  moistening  rains  its  future  worth  impair. 


PASTORALS.  549 

Soon,  sudden  showers,  will  thirsty  earth  revive, 
And  smiling  nature  in  fresh  beauty  thrive. 

Nir.  Behold,  on  distant  lands,  the  rain  descends, 
Thro'  fading  silvery  mist  Sol's  light  extends  ; 
The  clouds  are  gone,  by  cooling  breezes  driven 
Along  the  blue  expanse  of  smiling  heaven. 
Upon  the  trees  declining  sunbeams  play, 
The  shadows  lengthen  with  decreasing  day  ; 
The  feather'd  songsters  with  the  sun  retire, 
The  flies  of  night  disclose  their  fitful  fire  ; 
Cold  dew-drops  gather  on  green  nature's  face, 
And  sleep  invites  us  to  her  soft  embrace. 


PASTOEAL    TIIIKD. 


AUTUMN. 

IN  valley  deep  beneath  stupendous  trees, 
Whose  falling  foliage  sail'd  the  northern  breeze, 
An  aged  shepherd  tun'd  his  sounding  lyre 
To  melting  tones  parental  woes  inspire. 
His  fleecy  flocks,  descending  from  the  plains, 
Collected  round  him,  listening  to  the  strains. 
A  lover,  bright  with  hope's  exulting  rays, 
At  distance  heard  the  pleasing,  mournful  lays, 
From  foreign  realms  return'd  to  native  vale, 
And  listening,  thus  he  heard  the  shepherd's  tale  : 

Mild,  playful  lambs  !  ye  make  my  Delia  rise 
From  other  days,  and  greet  her  parent's  eyes. 
Though  pale  she  slumbers  in  the  deathful  gloom, 
She  seems,  like  spring,  to  shine  in  living  bloom. 
The  gentle  mien,  the  harmless  traits,  I  see, 
O,  absent  Delia,  always  liv'd  in  thee  ! 
Ne'er  didst  thou  in  a  daughter's  duty  fail — 
Blest  nature  wrapt  thee  in  celestial  mail ; 


550  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Of  docile  mind,  and  of  the  kindest  heart, 
Sure  of  the  elect  the  most  select  thou  art. 

Alas,  as  Sol  with  glory  deck'd  the  dawn, 
She,  musing,  wander'd  from  her  native  lawn 
To  see  the  river's  eddying  waters  glide, 
Or  her  resemblance  in  the  glassy  tide  : 
Her  soothing  voice  in  tuneful  numbers  rose, 
As  beauty  sweet  and  soft  as  zephyr  blows, 
"While  cheerful  birds,  on  many  a  bloomy  spray, 
In  mute  attention  heard  her  matchless  lay, 
While  glad  she  sung  her  mind,  with  thought  elate, 
Became  forgetful  of  the  present  state, 
When  down  the  rocky  steep  she  fell,  and  death, 
With  ghastly  presence,  snatch'd  away  her  breath. 
Ah,  silent  is  the  voice  and  cold  the  tongue 
That  erst  in  listening  groves  so  sweetly  sung  ! 
Dead  those  dear  eyes  so  lovely  wont  to  roll 
And  tell  the  gentle  temper  of  her  soul. 
I  soon  must  follow  through  the  land  of  gloom 
To  where  she  blushes  in  immortal  bloom, 
And  wings,  unbounded,  heaven's  eternal  plains, 
Exempt  from  age  and  all  corporeal  pains. 

The  youth,  attentive  to  the  mournful  tale, 
His  heart  fast  fluttering  in  misfortune's  gale, 
With  haste  approach'd,  and  thus  address'd  the  seer, 
While  down  his  visage   stole  the  lucid  tear  : 

What  dreary  story  tell  thy  tender  strains  ? 
Is  she,  my  loved  one,  held  in  icy  chains  ? 
O  cruel  fate,  reverse  thy  hard  decree, 
Let  lovely  Delia  please  the  groves  and  me. 
Oft  have  we  carol'd  in  yon  shady  bowers, 
In  friendly  converse  spent  the  winged  hours, 
While  roaming  round  us  fed  our  fleecy  care, 
And  birds  with  music  thrill'd  the  balmy  air. 

Shep.  Most  welcome  son,  and  blest  the  ship  that  bore 
The  youthful  wanderer  to  his  natal  shore  ! 
All  things  are  moving  with  resistless  speed  : 
To  vernal  blooms  autumnal  fruits  succeed. 


PASTORALS.  551 

As  oft  as  man  attains  perfection's  day, 

Some  deluge  sweeps  his  golden  age  away  : 

The  sad  survivors  then  their  toils  renew, 

And  Nature's  wilds  again  with  art  subdue : 

Again  to  civilization  slowly  tend, 

And  reach  its  summit  to  again  descend : 

The  virtuous  labor  of  ten  thousand  years 

In  one  tremendous  earthquake  disappears. 

Should  Earth  no  longer  in  one  posture  run, 

Turn  north  or  south,  then  man  would  be  undone  ; 

O'erwhelming  oceans  o'er  broad  continents  pour, 

And  all  his  works  and  glories  be  no  more. 

In  vain  we  murmur  o'er  the  tomb  of  joy  ; 

E'en  this  fair  world  will  conquering  time  destroy. 

When  fate  decrees,  shall  feeble  man  repine  ? 

Though  all,  like  Delia  die,  we  must  resign. 

Time  yet  is  ours,  nor  barren  of  delight, 

Redundant  harvests  labor's  pains  requite. 

From  teeming  presses  dulcet  liquids  flow, 

And  loaded  grain'ries  heaven's  indulgence  show. 

Then  take  the  pleasures  present  objects  yield, 

Nor  with  triumphant  fate  dispute  the  field. 

Dre.  Me  wouldst  thou  counsel  to  resign  my  love  ? 
Tell  Dresus  rather  not  himself  to  prove  : 
With  tender  Delia  pass'd  my  infant  days, 
Each  pleas'd  the  other  with  unartful  lays. 
Her  lovely  smiles  with  melting  brilliance  shone, 
Subdu'd  my  heart  and  made  me  all  her  own. 
Where're  she  came  methought  new  verdure  grew 
And  whispering  winds  a  sweeter  fragrance  blew. 
O,  is  she  wreck'd  on  death's  relentless  strand, 
No  more  to  wander  o'er  her  native  land, 
No  more  to  play  in  yonder  blissful  bowers, 
Awake  the  lyre  and  pluck  the  blooming  flowers  ? 
Beneath  what  cypress  sleeps  the  wither'd  fair, 
Alas !  my  sorrowing  heart  is  buried  there. 
The  groves  in  faded  beauty  seem  to  mourn 
The  absent  Delia  and  her  lover  lorn. 


552  POEMS    OF  THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Oh  haste  the  moment  for  my  soul  to  rise 
To  her  blest  spirit  in  the  pitying  skies. 

Shep.  Tell  not  to  heedless  winds  of  sorrow's  pains, 
Nor  rue  the  act  which  Providence  ordains. 
The  blooming  season  is  decay'd  and  gone, 
Its  faded  beauties  scatter'd  o'er  the  lawn ; 
So  all  things  vanish,  so  our  joys  decay, 
So  Delia  dies,  and  pleasure  fades  away ; 
But  recomposing  nature  soon  will  bear, 
The  vernal  flowerets  of  the  gliding  year  ; 
So  shall  new  Delias  greet  their  Dresus'  eyes, 
As  morning  fair  and  lovely  as  the  skies. 
Mourn  not  the  absence  of  the  luckless  fair, 
To  woe  resign'd  and  steadfast  in  despair, 
As  Pleuron  erst  companion  of  my  youth, 
Who  sway'd  by  gold  forsook  the  path  of  truth, 
Forsook  Melinda  and  incurred  her  scorn, 
To  wed  Amelia,  and  the  error  mourn. 
He  sadly  wand'ring  by  the  sea-beat  shores, 
Till  night  o'erspreads  the  skies  his  woes  deplores, 
Fast  down  his  cheeks  the  briny  torrents  roll, 
And  sorrow's  tide  swells  darkly  on  his  soul ; 
There  lonely  moaning  by  the  sullen  waves, 
Hears  ocean  mutter  storm  from  all  his  caves  ; 
Sees  frowning  clouds  the  lofty  ether  sail, 
And  fast  the  silver  host  with  darkness  veil, 
While  roars  the  distant  deep  ;  by  slow  degrees 
To  lofty  mountains  rise  the  boisterous  seas ; 
Huge,  tumbling  surges  lash  the  trembling  strand, 
Roll  back  in  foam  and  whiten  down  the  land, 
The  bushy  cliff  tops  frown  with  gloomier  brows, 
And  groan  and  reel  with  all  their  rustling  boughs, 
The  quivering  lightnings  shoot  a  sudden  glare, 
Surprise  the  world  and  fire  the  fields  of  air ; 
Redoubled  thunders  awful  sounding  roll 
Through  stormy  heaven  and  shake  the  distant  pole. 

As  he  beholds  the  terrors  of  the  skies, 
He  feels  no  dread  no  chilling  fears  arise. 


PASTORALS.  553 

So  overwhelm  ins:  is  the  sense  of  woe, 

O  / 

Unheard  the  thunder  roars  and  wild  winds  blow ; 
Its  cruel  pangs  so  grieve  his  feeble  mind, 
That  all  the  horrors  of  the  night  are  kind. 
He  thus  exclaims :  Loud  thunders  swifter  roll — 
Ye  pour  dread  comfort  on  my  wounded  soul. 
Thrice  welcome  gloomy  cliffs,  surge-dashing  shore, 
Grim  darting  lightning,  night-invested  hour — 
Yc  screaming  spirits  of  the  tempest  bear 
The  thunder's  chariot  down  the  wilds  of  air ; 
Let  all  his  bolts  on  Pleuron's  head  be  hurl'd, 
To  sweep  his  name  and  being  from  the  world. 

He  frantic  speaks,  and  swooning,  strikes  'the  ground ; 
Nor  hears  the  ocean's  roar ;  nor  thunder's  sound. 
~No  more  distress  his  panting  bosom  rends  : 
He  senseless  lies,  and  far  from  helping  friends  ; 
While  vision'd  shapes,  and  other  worlds  appear — 
Elysian  fields,  aud  hell's  expansion  drear. 

Meantime  the  storm  subsides,  a  calm  ensues. 
The  clouds  dispers'd,  the  stars  faint  light  diffuse. 
The  wasted  winds  from  whence  they  came  repair, 
And  dulcet  fragrance  floats  the  midnight  air. 
Old  ocean's  waves  lie  silent  on  their  deep, 
And  earth  and  air  and  main  are  hush'd  to  sleep. 

Soon  bright  Aurora  pours  the  early  day 
On  nature's  face  the  gladdening  sun-beams  play. 
In  smiling  lustre  rise  the  verdant  hills, 
And  gently  murm'ring  flow  the  winding  rills. 
Above,  blue  ether  looks  on  earth  serene, 
And  earth  beholds  with  joy  the  cloudless  scene. 
The  leafy  woods  in  fresher  green  revive, 
Confess  the  day  and  seem  with  birds  alive; 
Translucent  drops  impend  from  dulcet  flowers — 
All  nature  brightens  from  th'  abundant  showers. 

Reviving  Pleuron,  on  the  shore  forlorn, 
Casts  tearful  eyes  upon  the  golden  morn. 
Now  thinks  of  plunging  in  the  unbounded  deep, 
And,  freed  from  miseries,  in  its  bosom  sleep. 


554  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Now  views  the  prospect  of  alluring  shades, 
And  happy  flocks  that  roam  the  flow'ry  glades — 
Hears  feather'd  warblers  raise  melodious  voice, 
And  all  the  land  in  various  strain  rejoice. 

While  rural  beauty  thus  attracts  his  mind, 
Lo  !  Wisdom  comes  to  wretched  Pleuron  kind. 
Acute  perception,  born  of  light  divine, 
And  deathless  graces  on  her  visage  shine. 
She  thus  bespeaks  him,  in  her  guardian  care, 
To  sooth  his  soul  and  drive  away  despair : 

Reject,  sad  Pleuron,  thy  severe  intent : 
Sufficient  'tis  of  follies  to  repent. 
Let  sober  reason  o'er  thy  passions  sway, 
Nor  for  one  object  throw  a  world  away. 
Behold  the  beauties  of  the  blooming  plains, 
The  rural  pleasures  of  well-doing  swains  ; 
Philosophy's  delights,  the  sweets  of  love, 
And  hear  the  songs  that  charm  the  fragrant  grove. 
'Tis  folly  smites  the  breast  and  heaves  the  sigh  ; 
To  wisdom  deaf,  unhappy  lovers  die. 
That  mighty  power  who  rules  all  things  below, 
Affords  our  pleasure  and  inflicts  our  woe, 
Perhaps  intends  to  purify  with  tears 
The  soul  before  it  at  his  throne  appears. 
The  objects  interpos'd  'twixt  us  and  bliss, 
He  kind  removes  :  and  shall  we  mourn  for  this  ? 
Say,  wilt  thou  deathward  take  the  guilty  road, 
Or,  gathering  good  from  evil,  trust  in  God  ? 
Depart,  then,  Pleuron,  from  the  threat 'ning  deep ; 
Enjoy  the  foodful  earth  and  cease  to  weep. 

Thus  spoke  this  heavenly  friend ;  his  spirits  rose 
This  faint  heart  swell'd,  abated  were  his  woes. 
With  secret  shame  he  quits  the  sounding  shore, 
Quaffs  rising  odors  and  complains  no  more. 
Pleas'd  nature  hails  him  from  her  rosy  bowers 
And  soothing  pleasures  gild  the  fleeting  hours. 
Will  Dresus  then  fair  wisdom's  aid  implore, 
To  give  him,  over  evil  fortune,  power  ? 


PASTORALS.  555 

Dres.  Farewell,  my  Delia,  and  my  mournful  sighs ; 
And  ye,  dejecting  thoughts,  forget  to  rise. 
Adieu,  dear  maid,  that  never  can  be  mine. 
Adieu,  remembrance  of  thy  charms  divine  ; 
Nor  linger  on  my  soul  one  thought  of  thee : 
For  wisdom  bids  from  thy  lov'd  form  to  flee  ? 
Ah  no,  she  tells  me  never  to  deplore, 
The  wither'd  blossom  tears  cannot  restore ; 
Nor  interdicts  the  memory  of  the  past : 
'Tis  hers  to  think  of  joys  that  could  not  last. 
She  sits  on  tombs  of  buried  hopes  and  cries : 
Lo  !  what  are  these?  consider  and  be  wise. 

Thus  sung  the  shepherds  till  the  starry  veil 
Of  night  with  frosty  stillness  chill'd  the  vale. 
Too  wise  to  nourish  ill-producing  woes, 
They,  with  the  day,  withdrew  to  calm  repose. 


PASTOEAL    FOURTH. 

WINTER. 

THE  trees,  divested  of  their  leafy  cloud, 
Through  naked  limbs  the  cold  winds  murmur'd  loud  ; 
"When  fair  Mahalah,  mourning  for  the  dead, 
Sought  rest  in  woods,  and  in  the  tears  she  shed. 

Her  grandpa,  pitying,  heard  her  sorrowing  sighs, 
And  thus  address'd  her,  leaning  from  the  skies : 
My  fair  descendant,  check  thy  flowing  tears. 
How  different  from  the  girl  of  other  years  ! 
When  like  the  roses  on  the  fertile  plain, 
Thy  visage  bloom'd  and  charm'd  the  gazing  swain. 
What  various  troubles  follow  youthful  days ! 
The  time  of  flattering  hopes  and  blissful  plays. 
A  lovely  child  has  from  thy  arms  been  torn. 
Couldst  thou  behold  him  here  thou  wouldst  not  mourn ; 
But  bid  kind  Death  to  haste  th'  immortal  morn  ! 


556  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Mah.  My  hopeful  offspring,  once  his  parents'  pride, 
Like  loveliest  lily  bloom'd,  and  blooming  died 
Ere  thrice  the  world  her  annual  journey  run, 
Around  the  moment  that  his  life  begun  : 
Ere  yet  he  strove  th'  admiring  world  to  please, 
Or  brave  for  glory  life's  tempestuous  seas  ; 
While  I  behind,  in  hapless  plight  remain, 
And  mourn  the  gift  which  heaven  bestow'd  in  vain. 

Grandpa.  Such  are  the  scenes  that  human  life  unfolds ; 
And  such  the  frequent  prospect  man  beholds : 
His  hopes  are  shaken  by  relentless  hands  : 
Death  chains  the  spirits  with  his  icy  bands. 
Incessant  revolution  shifts  the  scene : 
E"ow  winter  scowls ;  now  smiles  the  world  in  green  : 
Unceasing  change  on  nature's  march  awaits  : 
One  step  dissolves,  another  step  creates. 
The  stroke  of  fate  'tis  useless  to  deplore. 
Though  winter  kills,  the  vernal  days  restore. 
Seek  consolation  in  the  page  of  truth ; 
In  buoyant  faith  foretaste  immortal  youth. 
Upon  her  pinions  fly  from  gloomy  cares, 
As  birds  from  frowns  that  wintry  nature  wears. 
They,  tuneful  songsters  of  the  summer  day 
Retir'd  beyond  yon  clouds,  appear  to  say ; 
"  Farewell,  ye  frosty  bowers,  that  cease  to  bloom ; 
Our  wings  release  us  from  your  barren  gloom." 
Their  songs  no  longer  glad  the  faded  grove, 
Whose  dreary  smiles  no  more  excite  to  love. 
Adorn'd  with  fleecy  snow  the  boughs  appear, 
The  hoary  garment  of  the  aged  year. 
The  fragrant  breeze  has  left  the  clouded  skies ; 
To  chilling  winds  the  leafless  forest  sighs. 
The  rivulets  groan  in  icy  fetters  bound, 
And  roll  reluctant  o'er  the  frozen  ground  ; 
But  soon  new  verdure  shall  the  fields  adorn  : 
The  flowers,  with  joyful  tears,  salute  the  morn  ; 
Eefreshing  zephyrs  through  the  blossoms  play, 
And  tuneful  songsters  charm  the  wakeful  day  ; 


PASTORALS.  557 

Resounding  rivulets  wander  through  the  groves, 
And  pleasing  nature  shines  in  all  her  loves. 
So  shall  thy  joys  revive  and  sorrows  die, 
When  grief's  sad  causes  in  oblivion  lie  ; 
And  thou  again  the  rural  choir  attend, 
And  lose  in  bliss  the  memory  of  thy  friend. 
Yet  shall  thy  fleecy  lambs  confess  thy  care 
And  sportful  play,  though  no  Sylvester  there  ; 
Though  he  no  longer,  tripping  o'er  the  mead, 
In  broken  accents,  eloquently  plead. 
Great  nature,  anxious  for  her  lover's  rest, 
Withdrew  him  early  to  her  peaceful  breast ; 
Yet  not  unmindful  of  his  worth,  she  sigh'd 
In  gloom  autumnal  as  her  lov'd  one  died, 
A  while  inclin'd  to  give  him  back  to  wo 
For  vain  celebrity  and  empty  show  ! 
With  me  he  wanders  in  th'  Elysian  fields, 
He  tastes  the  joys  that  goodness  only  yields  ; 
Unstain'd  by  earth  his  lovely  spirit  rose, 
And  left  his  body  to  its  long  repose, 
That  free  from  ills  now  hears  no  tempests  rave  : 
Sweet  rest  and  silence  bless  his  humble  grave. 

M.  Feel  as  I  feel  would'st  thou  true  counsel  give  : 
Can  fish  in  air,  or  birds  in  water  live  ? 
Like  the  drear  aspect  of  the  autumnal  sky, 
That  shows  the  year's  pale  shrouded  hearse  is  nigh, 
The  present  prospect  of  my  life  appears 
O'ercast  with  sorrow's  darkness,  big  with  tears  ! 
I  fain  would  practice  all  your  words  advise  ; 
But  flowers  of  May  ill  suit  with  winter's  skies : 
If,  in  my  bosom,  one  fair  blossom  blow, 
'Tis  quickly  blasted  by  the  breath  of  wo. 
Ah,  let  me  pass  to  some  more  blest  abode  ! 
Kind  angels,  waft  me  on  the  starry  road ! 
Where  age  is  unattended  with  decay, 
And  nature  glories  in  eternal  May  ; 
Where  mortal  buds  in  heavenly  youth  unfold, 
And  tuneful  winds  fan  groves  of  living  gold. 


558  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Grandpa.   Eevolving  seasons  shall  remit  thy  pain  ; 
Retime  thy  reed  and  call  thy  joys  again  : 
Thy  woes  will  vanish  in  the  pleasing  sounds, 
And  earth  forgot,  you  '11  rove  on  heavenly  grounds. 
The  soul  that  patient  bears  the  storms  of  fate 
Surmounts  the  troubles  of  terrestrial  state. 
Thou  'It  still  with  pleasure  breathe  the  fragrant  gale, 
And  happy  wander  in  the  flow'ry  vale. 
Though  now  a  sullen  darkness  clouds  your  day, 
Though  there  dejected  and  forlorn  you  stray, 
The  flight  of  years  shall  bear  thy  grief  away. 
Full  soon  the  trees  will  spread  a  grateful  gloom, 
Involv'd  in  verdant  clouds,  and  odorous  bloom  ; 
Then  may'st  thou  linger  in  the  groves,  and  prove 
Thou  still  hast  much  to  lose,  and  much  to  love. 

M.  Alas  !  no  spring  can  cheer  the  gloomy  urn ; 
Nor  make  my  darling  to  these  arms  return. 
When  feeling  shall  be  lull'd  by  fleeting  years, 
And  memory  of  the  lov'd  one  bring  no  tears, 
Then,  nature's  may  give  way  to  reason's  voice  ; 
The  heart  forgetful  of  its  pain  rejoice  ; 
But  long,  oh  long,  will  last  my  wintry  gloom  ; 
My  spring  will  sadly  smile  in  barren  bloom. 


THE  BEREAVEMENT. 

'TWAS  night,  and  oh  that  night  was  drear, 
That  from  me  snatch'd  my  parent  dear. 

0  cruel  death,  what  horrid  glare 
Thy  visage  cast  upon  me  there  ! 

1  saw  him  gasp  ;  his  life  depart ; 

Saw  the  dear  form  torn  from  my  heart  I 
No  ;  still  he  there  superior  lives  ; 
There,  still,  a  mournful  pleasure  gives. 
The  scenes  are  sweet,  though  ting'd  with  wo, 


ROSALINDA.  559 


In  memory's  grateful  light  that  glow  ; 
And  oft  my  thoughts  shall  wander  where 
I  knew  a  father's  tender  care. 
What  sorrows  dimm'd  my  infant  eye  ! 
What  barren  scenes  of  life  were  nigh  ! 
An  orphan  lone,  while  fortune  frown'd, 
And  fearful  scowl'd  the  world  around. 
Faint  hope  was  in  my  sky  to  cheer ; 
"No  hand  the  budding  mind  to  rear  : 
From  parents,  and  from  riches  hurl'd, 
To  brave  a  selfish,  thankless  world. 


ROSALINDA. 

DEPARTED  days  came  o'er  my  soul, 
While  held  by  slumber's  sweet  control ; 
Til'  enchanting  face,  the  graceful  air, 
The  snowy  arm,  and  ringlet  fair  ; 
The  blooming  groves,  and  shady  bowers, 
Where  happy  roll'd  the  summer  hours  ; 
And  art  thou  yet  in  life  ?  I  cried  ; 
Then  memory  that  dear  scene  belied  ; 
And  quick  recall'd  the  mournful  youth, 
That  cold  she  fell  in  lovely  youth  ; 
That  unavailing  tears  were  shed 
For  gentle  Rosalinda  dead  : 
That  old  and  young  in  sadness  paid 
Funereal  honors  to  the  maid. 
Still  wandering  o'er  a  desert  way, 
In  silver  robes,  she  seem'd  to  stray, 
Pale,  quivering,  on  the  moonlit  air  : 
I  reach'd  to  grasp  the  spectre  fair. 
Alas  !  no  blooming  charms  were  there  ! 
My  arms  clos'd  through  the  howling  air  : 
Fit  emblem  of  my  troubled  soul, 


560  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GEOTN". 

That  seeks  green  summer  at  the  pole, 
In  her,  that  with  the  maids  of  old, 
In  death's  embraces,  slumbers  cold. 

Her  spirit,  mingled  with  the  breeze, 
Flits  o'er  green  hills,  brown  vales,  and  seas ; 
In  roses  blooms  ;  in  waters  flows  : 
Scents  morning's  breath  ;  in  ether  glows  ; 
And  in  the  west,  as  day  declines, 
From  golden  clouds  refulgent  shines. 


OSSIAN'S  ADDEESS  TO  THE  SUN. 

O  THOU  who  walk'st  the  aerial  field, 
Full  orb'd,  and  round,  as  warrior's  shield. 
Whence  is  thy  ceaseless,  gentle  light  ? 
When  thou  appear'st  in  beauty  bright, 
The  stars,  the  moon,  before  thee  fly  ; 
She  hides  her  in  the  western  sky. 
Thou,  in  thy  journey,  mov'st  alone  : 
"Who  dare  approach  thee,  blazing  sun  ! 
The  oak  from  lofty  height  descends  ; 
The  rock  beneath  time's  sceptre  bends  ; 
Seas  flow,  and  ebb  ;  above  the  sky 
The  moon  is  lost ;  but  thou,  on  high, 
Forever  shedd'st  transcendent  light, 
Eejoicing  in  thy  splendor  bright. 
When  lowers  dark  storm,  with  thunders  loud, 
And  lightnings  pierce  the  gloomy  cloud, 
Thou  look'st  serene  ;  thy  purple  hair 
Waives,  smiling,  through  the  troubled  air. 
In  vain  thou  smil'st  on  Ossian's  eyes, 
From  eastern,  or  from  western  skies  : 
No  more  he  sees  thy  morning  state  ; 
Nor  farewell  at  night's  dusky  gate. 
Perhaps,  like  me,  thou  'It  have  thy  end, 


WISDOM'S  COMMENDATION.  561 

Slumbering  in  clouds,  forget  to  send 

The  day  ;  rejoice,  then,  youthful  sun, 

Ere  dark,  uncheerful  age,  shall  come  : 

'Tis  like  pale  Luna's  feeble  rays, 

When,  through  thick  mist,  she  seems  to  gaze ; 

Like  winds,  that  from  cold  regions  blow, 

Or  wounded  traveller,  faint  and  slow. 


WISDOM'S  COMMENDATION  OF  HEESELF. 


hears  not  Wisdom  from  high  places  cry — 
Beware,  O  man  !  the  ills  that  hidden  lie  ! 
Ye  fools,  awake  !  and  hear  the  truths  reveal'd 
The  vain  and  wicked  still  would  keep  conceal'd  : 
I  '11  throw  upon  your  intellectual  night 
A  useful,  pleasing,  fair  and  heavenly  light. 
Nor  gems,  nor  rubies  shall  with  me  compare ; 
Nor  all  earth's  flattering  honors  prove  so  fair  : 
I  guide  invention's  lofty  flights  afar  ; 
Of  sages,  kings,  and  mighty  states,  the  star, 
Beneath  my  rays  laws,  fix'd  as  nature,  bloom, 
And  prudent  justice  speaks  th'  offender's  doom. 
Who  me  obeys  shall  walk  life's  easiest  road, 
And,  loving  me,  be  lov'd  by  nature's  God. 
For  I  with  him  convers'd,  when  time  was  young ; 
Before  these  worlds  from  ancient  chaos  sprung. 
I  saw  when  first  he  form'd  the  ponderous  ball, 
Bade  mountains  rise,  and  ocean's  valleys  fall, 
The  fluent  air  in  lofty  regions  play, 
And  clouds,  and  thunders,  throng  the  aerial  way. 
'Tis  my  delight,  with  human  kind  to  dwell ; 
Content  are  they  who  keep  my  precepts  well ; 
And  blest  is  he,  who  watches  at  my  gates  ; 
For,  finding  me,  eternal  life  awaits. 
36 


562  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 


A  DEEAM.* 

IN  darksome  wilds  methought  I  stray'd 
Forlorn,  and  far  from  friendly  aid. 
Earth  thunder'd  from  her  caves  profound  ; 
A  trembling  seiz'd  the  solid  ground. 
With  voices  strange  the  welkin  rung, 
And  forms  unseen  in  chorus  sung  : 

Traveller  !  wheresoe'er  ye  wend, 
Sorrow,  woes,  and  death  attend. 
Pleasing  forms  sweet  bev'rage  give  ; 
Mortals  drink  and  cease  to  live. 
Hapless  they  whom  genius  fires  ; 
Hapless  they  of  low  desires. 
Few  the  happy  medium  know  ; 
All  are  born  to  suffer  wo. 
Wildly  toss'd  by  passions  strong, 
On  they  rush  in  courses  wrong. 
Passions  grovelling,  passions  blind 
Rashly  urge  th'  immortal  mind  : 
Now  bid  seek  for  naught  but  gold ; 
]STow  for  fame  a  world  be  sold. 
Warring  nations'  blood  they  sail, 
Yice  their  bark  and  lust  their  gale  ! 

While  yet  the  candid,  thrilling  strain 
Was  echoing  o'er  the  gloomy  plain, 
Delightful  sounds  invade  my  ear 
Of  heavenly  harps  and  voices  near  ; 
And  lo  1  more  fair  than  blooming  May, 
Approach'd  the  Muses,  dancing  gay  : 
They  pointed  to  Parnassus'  height, 
And  thither  bade  me  take  my  flight. 
Straight,  by  the  touch  ethereal  fir'd, 
I  had  to  that  proud  height  aspir'd  ; 
But  Avarice  came.     With  downcast  eye 

*  Written  to  present  to  one  who  advised  not  to  write  poetry,  because  poets 
generally  are  poor. 


DREAM.  563 


The  various  arts  of  thrift  we  try. 

Past  Glory's  votaries,  as  we  bound, 

And  see  them  spreading  splendors  round, 

Diffusing  light  in  great  debates, 

Enacting  laws,  reforming  States, 

Supporting  virtue,  bold  and  strong, 

In  glowing  eloquence  of  song  ; 

Scarce  heeding  wealth,  our  joy  and  pride, 

Their  thriftless  course  we  loud  deride  ; 

Exclaiming  :  Fools  !  they  soon  will  know 

That  wealth  excels  all  else  below. 

But  soon  we  reach'd  life's  journey's  end, 

A  point,  where  'tis  too  late  to  mend. 

Then  quick  my  guide  to  ashes  turn'd  ; 

His  eyes  on  me  malignant  burn'd. 

I  stood,  methought,  beside  my  grave, 

Beheld  the  cypress  o'er  it  wave, 

While  near  me  pass'd  of  youths  fair  trains 

Outpouring  elegiac  strains. 

Behind,  appear'd  the  pomp  of  war, 

And  Glory  rob'd  the  mournful  car 

In  living  light,  and  deathless  bloom  ; 

And  thus  they  sung  her  votary's  doom  : 

As  Sol  he  came,  as  Sol  retir'd, 
Spreading  truths,  by  genius  fir'd. 
He  like  Sol  again  will  rise  : 
Yirtuous  genius  never  dies  ! 

Bright  around  his  deathless  name 
Rages  emulation's  flame. 
Bright  will  shine  his  glory's  day, 
Till  the  earth  shall  pass  away. 

Often  may  we  boast  his  peer, 
One  so  great,  so  good,  so  dear  ; 
Where  his  honor'd  relics  sleep 
Yirtuous  travellers  will  weep, 

When  they  to  his  tomb  repair, 
Seeking  inspiration  there. 


564:  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENEST. 

Long  his  name  will  gather  praise, 
Brightening  with  increase  of  days. 

I  wept,  for  I  was  wise  too  late : 
Not  Jove  himself  reverses  fate  ; 
And  ask'd  why  e'en  my  heirs  forgot 
To  cast  a  look  upon  this  spot  ? 
A  voice  replied,  with  scorn  and  rage  : 
"  You  shed  no  glory  on  your  age. 
No  muse  shall  save  thy  name  from  death, 
Or  give  thee  life  in  others'  breath  ; 
For  you  repress'd  the  flame  divine 
That  makes  in  lofty  deeds  to  shine  : 
With  avarice  quench' d  the  heavenly  fire, 
That  frees  the  soul  from  low  desire. 
Shall  slaves  to  fortune  honors  find 
Like  glory's  man-exalting  kind  ? 
Still,  what  most  pleased  claims  your  care  : 
Still,  deal  with  all  things  as  they  are  : 
What  fits  the  genius  best,  pursue ; 
To  mind  and  body's  wants  be  true  : 
While  you  ascend  Parnassus'  height, 
Keep  always  fields  of  grain  in  sight. 
Of  these,  forgetful  if  you  stray, 
You  might  the  trust  of  life  betray. 
Man  thwarts  a  law  most  wise  and  good, 
When  without  sweat  he  wins  his  food. 
Hope  not  to  reap  but  what  you  sow  ; 
From  parts,  well  acted,  honors  grow. 
The  muses  never  take  offence 
To  see  man  seek  a  competence  ; 
But  when  for  wealth  he  needless  bends, 
This,  this  the  heavenly  maids  offends. 

"  Still,  in  thy  sphere,  thou  didst  prevail, 
As  part  of  earth's  essential  tail. 
The  various  world,  'tis  very  plain, 
Must  have  its  legs  as  well  as  brain. 
What  matter  where  one's  lot  is  cast. 


CHRIST   WALKING   ON   THE   SEA.  565 

As  tail  or  leg  of  being  vast  ? 

As  one  of  these,  you  labor'd  well ; 

Sink  down,  then,  to  your  narrow  cell ; 

Nor  think  that  you  have  liv'd  in  vain 

By  getting  all  you  sought  to  gain, 

Though  form'd  to  sing  the  deathless  strain." 


FKOM  "PKOYEKBS." 

REBUKE  shall  more  than  flattery  gain  applause. 

Who  harms  his  parents  wars  on  nature's  laws. 

"Who  trust  in  God  shall  have  a  prosperous  life. 

Fools  trust  themselves.     The  proud  are  doom'd  to  strife. 

When  vice  predominates,  fair  virtue  mourns  ; 

Nor,  till  pure  justice  reigns,  her  joy  returns. 

Who  feeds  the  poor  shall  dwell  in  pleasure's  light ; ' 

Who  on  them  frowns  shall  rove  in  joyless  night. 

The  fool  will  tell  what  wisdom  bids  conceal. 

Who  hasty  speaks  will  foolishness  reveal. 

Meekness  shall  triumph  o'er  the  grave  of  pride. 

Hash  anger  shows  the  faults  we  fain  would  hide. 


CHKIST  WALKING  ON  THE  SEA. 

GEIM  night  o'erspread  the  deep  ;  winds  adverse  blew  ; 
The  ship  roll'd  wild,  with  pale  dishearten'd  crew ; 
When,  upright,  walking  on  the  waves,  appears 
Th'  Eternal  Son  ;  he  o'er  the  deep  careers 
As  on  dry  land  ;  the  mariners  sore  amaz'd, 
Believ'd  they  on  some  troubled  spirit  gaz'd. 
Not  so  ;  "  be  fearless ;  for  'tis  me,"  he  cries — 
"  Bid  me  approach  thee,"  Peter  then  replies — 
He  bids,  and  Peter  quits  the  rolling  ship, 


566          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

And  walks  secure  along  the  foaming  deep  ; 

But  faithless,  soon  the  waves  had  whelm'd  him  there, 

Had  God  not  rais'd,  and  bid  the  billows  spare. 

The  conscious  tempest  from  his  presence  flew  ; 

To  east  and  north  the  sighing  blasts  withdrew  ; 

Till  solemn  stillness  o'er  the  sea  prevails, 

And  easy  rolls  the  ship,  with  slacken'd  sails. 


PSALM    I. 

GOD  is  my  rock,  my  shield,  and  trust ; 
He  humbles  all  my  foes  in  dust. 
Midst  woes,  to  him  I  raise  my  voice  ; 
He  hears,  and  bids  my  heart  rejoice, 
Though  death  approach  me,  drear  and  pale, 
And  foes  and  miseries  prevail. 

To  him  I  call,  the  God  gives  ear, 
And  rocks  the  ground,  and  quakes  the  sphere  ; 
His  nostrils  breathe  devouring  fire ; 
Before  his  way  the  seas  retire  ; 
The  shades  of  night  around  him  lower  ; 
Red  lightnings  flash,  loud  thunders  roar  ; 
Hoarse  bellowing  winds  rend  earth  and  heaven  ; 
Stern  fate  before  his  feet  is  driven  ; 
Nor  earth  withstands  his  arrows  dread — 
Hocks  melt,  hills  fall,  and  wake  the  dead. 

Is  this  because  his  David  wins 
His  friendship  for  eschewing  sins  ? 
The  upright  man  his  God  will  guard  ; 
He  ne'er  shall  want  a  due  reward  ; 
For  David's  God  is  great  and  just, 
And  him  in  every  plight  I'll  trust. 


567 


FKOM  SOLOMON'S  SONGS. 


O,  LET  me  of  thy  kisses  share, 

The  ointments  sweet  perfume  thy  hair. 

Supreme  delight  thy  name  inspires, 

Thy  presence  kindles  virgins'  fires. 

A  kinder  love  bestow  on  me, 

And  I'll  that  love  repay  to  thee  ; 

'  Twill  fire  my  memory  more  than  wine  ; 

For  sure  my  love  is  most  divine. 

Though  "black  I  am,  my  form  is  fair 

As  Solomon's  tents  or  curtains  are  : 

Nor  should  complexion  change  my  fate  ; 

'  Twas  caus'd  by  wrong  domestic  hate  : 

My  brethren  made  me  till  their  vine, 

Though  I  bestow'd  no  care  on  mine. 

Where  feed  thy  flocks  at  noon  ?     Oh  !  where 

For  why  should  I  not  meet  thee  there  ! 

Thou  art  to  me  the  myrrh  or  rose. 

Oh  !  couldst  thou  on  my  breasts  repose, 

That  we  might  talk  in  tender  sighs, 

And  nectar  quaff  from  dove-like  eyes  ! 

Our  bed  is  green,  and  far  more  fair 

Than  Pharoah's  chariots  Solomon's  are. 

ii. 

A  lily,  midst  the  thorns,  is  she  ; 
Nor  can  the  rose  out-blossom  me  ! 
She's  like  the  tree  that  apples  bears, 
Its  head  in  gloomy  woods  that  rears. 
I  sat,  while  hung  her  branches  o'er, 
And  dulcet  was  the  fruit  they  bore. 
My  love,  in  wakeful  fancy,  roves 
A  youthful  roe  through  blooming  groves. 
As  once  I  slept,  he  kind  did  say, 


568  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN. 

Rise,  rise  my  love  and  come  away  ; 
For  winter's  past,  the  sky  is  bland, 
The  turtle's  voice  is  in  the  land ; 
The  linnets  sing,  the  flowers  appear, 
And  sweetly  smiles  the  rolling  year : 
Delightful  odors  charm  the  day  : 
Rise,  rise  my  love  and  come  away  ! 


JOB  III.  PARAPHRASED. 

DIE  the  day  that  I  was  born, 
Darkness  hide  its  evil  morn  ; 
God,  behold  it  not,  nor  light, 
Sink  it  in  profoundest  night, 
Let  it  not  increase  the  year  : 
Joyless  solitude  be  there. 

Be  no  morn  nor  twilight  grey 
On  that  early,  luckless  day. 
Why  beheld  it  not  my  death  ? 
Why  did  milk  support  my  breath  ? 
Endless  sleep  had  held  me  bound 
In  forgetfulness  profound ; 
Where  repose  the  kings  of  old, 
Heedless  of  their  thrones  of  gold. 
There  the  wicked  ne'er  molest ; 
There  can  weary  mourners  rest ; 
Prisoners  no  oppression  bear  : 
Great  and  small  are  equal  there. 
Hence,  can  misery  see  delight 
Beaming  through  life's  dreary  night ; 
Meet  with  joy  the  herald  pale ; 
Fearless  enter  death's  dark  vale. 

Why  to  man  is  knowledge  given  ? 
Humble  instrument  of  Heaven  ! 


YOUTH.  569 


Sorrows  thick  upon  me  pour, 
What  I  fear'd  has  whelm'd  me  o'er. 
Tasting  joy,  I  swallow'd  pain — 
Prudence,  all  thy  cares  were  vain  ! 


YOUTH. 

SEE,  furrow'd  age,  yon  blithsome  boy  ; 
His  tender  heart  o'erflows  with  joy ; 
E'en  like  the  summer  cloud  he  weeps, 
And  soft  as  twilight  shades  he  sleeps. 

'  Tis  now  his  happy  day  of  prime ; 
He  feels  no  guilt,  he  knows  no  crime : 
He  sees  no  ills  that  torture  thee  ; 
But  lives  from  care  and  sorrow  free. 

The  rising  scenes  of  nature  gay 
To  him  superior  charms  display  ; 
The  ways  of  manhood  seem  so  fair, 
He  fain  would  swiftly  travel  there. 

Ah  !  infancy,  how  happily  blind  ! 

Hope's  pleasing  scenes  thou  ne'er  shalt  find 

Before  the  silvery  hairs  appear 

We  mourn  you  gone,  and  age  so  near ! 

But  man  shall  be  forever  young, 
(For  Virtue's  sake  so  Hope  has  sung,) 
When  past  death's  valley,  dark  and  drear, 
And  bloom  through  Heaven's  eternal  year. 


570          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENLN. 


THE    WEECK. 

,  THE  sun  roll'd  down  the  western  steep, 
And  grim,  and  dark,  night  cloth'd  the  deep. 
Nor  star,  nor  moon,  was  seen  above  ; 
But  blackest  clouds,  by  auster  drove ; 
When,  sudden,  burst  the  storm  around, 
With  lightning  flash,  and  thunder  sound ; 
Thick  streaming,  dash'd  big  floods  of  rain, 
And  winds  rush'd  dreadful  o'er  the  main. 

Ere  while,  the  lofty  canvas  furl'd, 
The  mariner  braves  the  watery  world  : 
Swift,  down  the  dark  profound,  he  glides ; 
Swift,  midst  the  flashing  clouds,  he  rides : 
Now,  deep  through  dark'ning  valleys  flies  ; 
Now,  dances  wild  through  stormy  skies, 
On  peaks  of  rushing  mountains  tost ! 
In  gloomy  caves  of  ocean  lost ! 

Pale  terror  reigns,  loud  calls  the  tar, 
Eesisting  vain  the  watery  war. 
At  length  he  utters  smother'd  cries, 
Ingulph'd,  and  in  the  wild  waste  dies  ; 
His  winding  sheet,  the  angry  swell  ;• 
The  howling  storm  his  funeral  knell. 


THE    SLAVE'S    SOLILOQUY. 

WHEN  first  my  wandering  mind  began 
To  feel  the  joys  and  woes  of  man, 
How  pleasant  was  the  Bentang  tree 
That  cool'd  my  countrymen  and  me ! 


THE  SLAVE'S  SOLILOQUY.  571 

Beneath  it's  shade  my  kindred  smil'd  : 
A  sister,  like  fair  morning,  mild, 
A  father  kind,  and  mother  dear, 
Protecting,  cheer'd  my  gay  career. 

The  lovely  maidens,  sweet  and  coy, 
Held  distant  still  hope's  promis'd  joy  ; 
But  oft  sky-roving  fancy  there 
Gave  to  my  arms  the  tender  fair. 

Before  me  what  blest  seasons  sprung ! 
What  tales  deceitful  fortune  sung  ! 
Gay  hoy,  she  said,  the  time  will  be 
When  love  and  wealth  shall  wait  on  tliee. 

Alas,  that  time  was  distant  far : 
Fast  onward  roll'd  the  storm  of  war : 
It  ruin'd  all  that  pleas'd  before — 
It  hurl'd  me  e'en  from  Afric's  shore. 

Unhappy  Africa  how  long 
Must  thou  give  theme  of  tragic  song  ! 
Till  avarice  dies,  or  Christians  bend 
To  practice  precepts  they  commend  ? 

'Now  midst  unfeeling  men,  in  chains, 
I  rave  and  weep  o'er  ocean's  plains  ; 
Drove  by  the  roving  wind  that  fann'd, 
In  happier  times,  my  native  land. 

Soft  skies  no  longer  yield  delight ; 
No  dreamless  slumbers  shorten  night  ; 
No  kind  sensation  gives  the  breeze : 
All  happiness  from  Mungo  flees  ! 

Mourning  my  fate,  I  ask  of  heaven, 
Why  winds  are  to  injustice  given  ? 
Why  shines  the  sun  on  deed  so  foul  ? 
Why  points  the  magnet  to  the  pole — 


572  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Assisting  wicked  men  to  bear 

To  loath'd  disgrace,  and  dark  despair 

The  African,  and  no  red  arm, 

Keach'd  from  wrong'd  heaven,  to  do  them  harm 

But  true,  that  wind  is  fair  to  none 
Which  wafts  to  crime ;  nor  kind  the  sun 
That  lights  the  way  ;  the  magnet's  course 
Conducts  to  misery  and  remorse. 

That  untried  life  must  soon  begin, 
When  conscience,  shuddering  at  the  sin, 
With  loud  lament  shall  curse  the  hour, 
T'  enslave  mankind  they  had  the  power. 

Yet  no  relief  their  endless  pains 
Can  me  afford,  in  cruel  chains  : 
To  me  restore  no  parent's  form, 
Nor  hush  misfortune's  withering  storm. 

Ah  !  while  I  see  their  future  doom, 
My  mind  is  wrapt  in  deeper  gloom. 
No  cruel  joy  poor  Mungo  bears, 
That  his  wo  ends,  but  never  theirs. 

May  he  soon  land  on  death's  calm  shore, 
Where  vice  can  never  triumph  more  ; 
Clay-cold  and  dead  to  earth  return, 
Forget  this  life,  and  cease  to  mourn. 


NAPOLEON'S  FALL  AND  MOKAL  GBANDEUR 

How  weak  the  prop  of  human  trust ! 
All  earthly  things  go  down  to  dust ! 
The  chief  who  order'd  many  throne, 
Who  view'd  great  nations  as  his  own, 


TO   MY   OLD   HORSE   SHANDY.  573 

The  friend  of  merit  and  her  train, 
Or  seen  in  princes  or  the  swain 
Is  reft  of  lofty  sway,  how  soon ! 
What  darkness  clouds  his  blazing  noon ! 

Though  his  great  mind  and  matchless  power, 
That  aw'd  the  world,  now  awe  no  more ; 
False  friends  forsake,  and  lowering  night 
Succeed  fair  victory's  dazzling  light. 
His  fame  shall  still  refulgent  rise ; 
Misfortune  lifts  him  to  the  skies  ! 

In  moral  strength  he  soars  elate, 
And  triumphs  o'er  the  storms  of  fate ; 
With  firmness  fortune's  anger  braves  ; 
The  mind  (his  better  kingdom)  saves. 
Nor  needs  the  aid  of  suicide, 
The  fool's  relief  for  wounded  pride. 

Gay  fancy  oft  shall  haunt  his  isle 
To  see  him  o'er  earth's  baubles  smile  : 
And  thither  admiration  stray 
To  view  the  evening  of  his  day  ; 
To  see  the  great,  by  doom  severe, 
Upon  misfortune's  bosom  drear 
In  converse  with  the  glorious  past, 
lie  knows  his  fame  with  earth  will  last  ; 
That  kings  perceive  he  fills  the  world, 
A  throne  whence  one  cannot  be  hurl'd, 
And  feels  that  he  all  eyes  confines, 
And,  though  in  ruins,  realms  outshines. 


TO  MY  OLD  HORSE  SHANDY. 

WHY  is  my  breast  o'ercast  with  sorrow  ! 

Indeed  no  fop  nor  fool  is  dead  : 
Plain  dealing  Shandy  sees  no  morrow ; 

An  honest  friend  as  e'er  wore  head. 


574  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 

He  was  not  skill'd  like  human  lords  ; 

Yet  of  his  powers  he  wTell  dispos'd : 
He  lost  no  time  with  lying  words  : 

His  deeds  his  brethren's  faults  disclos'd. 
Let  all  who  fitly  act  their  part, 

Though  more  or  less  with  legs  supplied, 
Receive  the  reverence  of  the  heart, 

To  nature  and  to  truth  allied. 

Yes,  he  has  gone  the  race-ground  o'er, 
Whence  back  he  ne'er  will  canter  more  ; 
Nor  hold  his  tail  aloft,  and  squeel, 
And  in  old  stumps  see  shapes  of  de'il. 
•  Upon  this  life  has  turn'd  his  heels, 
No  more  will  whinny  for  his  meals  ; 
But  on  th'  bounteous  earth  will  sleep 
In  dreamless  rest,  till  up  he  leap 
In  form  of  pink,  or  clover  green, 
And  bloom  amidst  some  rural  scene  : 
In  thousand  shapes  his  poor  remains 
May  swell  the  beauty  of  the  plains. 

Poor  beast,  thou  hast  no  ghost  for  de'ils 
To  pinch  and  crack  on  burning  wheels  ; 
But  if  thou  had'st  I  cannot  think 
The  rogues  would  break  thy  rest  a  wink. 
Thou  seldom  didst  from  duty  stray, 
Though  tempted  much  by  oats  or  hay. 
How  oft  thou  did'st  to  church  repair 
And,  tied  to  stake,  do  penance  there ! 
I  saw  old  grandam  thither  ride 
High  on  thy  back,  with  youthful  pride, 
While  beaus  at  distance  strain'd  their  eyes 
At  winter  in  fair  summer's  guise. 

In  youth,  you  triumph'd  in  the  race, 
And  leap'd  all  fences  in  the  chase  ; 
But  palsying  age  depriv'd,  at  length, 
Of  graceful  gait  and  useful  strength. 
E'en  thou  could 'st  see  in  thy  short  day 
Thy  easy  wrack  and  pace  decay 


TRANSLATION   OF    PETEAECIl's   ADDRESS    TO   VIRGIL.          575 

To  awkward  trot,  while  disrespect 
Thy  frailty  folio w'd  with  neglect. 

Thou  quite  hast  slipp'd  thy  bridle  uow  ; 
Eluded  being's  joy,  or  wo. 
Although  in  life  thou  wast  a  slave, 
And  thy  cold  remnant  found  no  grave ; 
Yet  many  a  sinner,  idly  great, 
May  envy  thee  so  mean  a  fate. 

~No  more  thy  night  is  vex'd  with  dreams 
Of  mounting  hills  in  loaded  teams  ; 
No  more  thou  dread'st  the  morning  sun 
"Will  see  thee  with  a  chariot  run  : 
'No  more  thou  wilt  to  weddings  go 
For  human  sport  to  suffer  wo. 
In  short,  'twere, hard  to  count  thy  gain, 
JBy  quitting  this  rough  sod  of  pain. 
The  sons  of  man  may  earnest  pray, 
That  none  pursue  more  hurtful  way  ; 
That  every  future  hero  prove 
As  worthy  of  his  country's  love : 
Like  thee  the  world's  affections  keep ; 
ISTor  till  he  dies  make  mortals  weep. 


TRANSLATION  OF  PETRARCH'S  ADDRESS  TO  VIRGIL 

ON  VISITING  MANTUA,  VIRGIL'S   NATIVE   PLACE. 

WHERE  dwell'st  thou  now,  thou  poet  great  ? 
The  honor  of  the  Roman  state — 
The  muses'  hope — O  tell  me  where  ; 
Or  in  dark  hell,  or  upper  air ; 
Or  with  Apollo  and  the  Nine, 
Enchanted  by  their  songs  divine. 
Perhaps  Elysian  fields  ye  rove  ; 
With  Homer  walk  the  happy  grove, 


576  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENTN". 

And  others  of  immortal  name, 
Who  strung  the  lyre  and  shine  in  fame. 
Inform  me  if  jour  dreams  were  true  ; 
What  life  you  lead,  what  joys  pursue. 

I  glad  believe  thy  moments  roll, 
Where  never  comes  unhappy  soul ; 
If  human  shades  thy  heaven  ascend, 
May  mine  thy  golden  courts  attend. 
Thy  poems'  fate  I'll  tell  thee  then— 
The  glory  they've  to  Mantua  been. 
Thy  native  land  has  had  its  woes ; 
But  yet  remains  unrul'd  by  foes. 
'Tis  there  I  write,  by  thee  inspir'd ; 
Midst  rocks  and  fields  where  you  retir'd : 
On  silver  Mincio's  banks  1  rove, 
Where  oft  you  sought  the  shady  grove ; 
Where  on  the  verdant  grass  ye  lay, 
And  shunn'd  the  sultry  heat  of  day. 
All  these  remind  me  of  thy  name — 
They  fire  my  breast  and  boast  thy  fame. 

Forbear  to  ask  the  Roman  lot ; 
Ah !  better  that  ye  know  it  not. 
Learn  rather  how  thy  works  have  prov'd ; 
Old  Tityrus'  songs  are  still  belov'd ; 
Nought  with  your  Georgics  can  compare ; 
The  fields  still  blossom  heavenly  fair ; 
Your  Eneis  o'er  the  world  abounds, 
Delighting  with  its  martial  sounds  : 
What  gratitude  Augustus  claims, 
Who  snatch'd  it  from  devouring  flames  ! 

Adieu,  great  bard,  forever  dear ; 
My  thanks  to  Hesiod  and  Homer  bear. 


THE   CONSENT.  577 


PEACE. 

HAIL  blooming  peace,  enchanting  power, 
Forever  bless  the  muses'  bower. 
Fair  sovereign  of  the  age  of  gold, 
Thy  reign  with  joy  the  good  behold ; 
It  spreads  the  useful  and  the  fair ; 
Of  charity  extends  the  care  ; 
Of  human  anger  slakes  the  fire, 
And  calms  the  tumult  of  desire. 
As  comes  she  from  her  native  skies, 
What  prospects  cheer  the  good  and  wise  ! 
Blithe  industry  on  frugal  wings, 
Contentment,  wealth  and  pleasure  brings. 
Mild  innocence,  the  graces  gay, 
And  bright-eyed  hope  around  her  play. 
Her  gentle,  soul-exalting  mood 
Disperses  sin's  unhappy  brood : 
Before  her  envy  turns  to  praise, 
And  malice  pours  of  love  a  blaze. 
More  fair  than  rosy  tranquil  morn, 
With  whom  the  loveliest  scenes  are  born  ; 
Her  countenance  casts  a  light  divine ; 
Her  looks  the  melting  bow  outshine. 

Would  man  her  happy  counsels  keep, 
Humanity  might  cease  to  weep, 
The  voice  of  battle  cease  to  roar, 
And  fields  be  stain'd  with  blood  no  more. 


THE    CONSENT. 

AN  oak  thick  clouds  of  foliage  bears  ; 
And  high  above  the  groves  appears 
In  its  wide  shade  a  blooming  boy, 
Contented,  sings  the  notes  of  joy  ; 
37 


578  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Disporting  in  life's  hopeful  morn, 
He  in  its  roses  finds  no  thorn. 
In  verdant  plains  and  shady  bowers, 
Komantic  mountains,  fields  of  flowers, 
He  roves  and  feels  no  ill  control ; 
No  furious  passions  toss  his  soul ; 
His  faithful  dog,  delighted,  plays, 
And  frisking  round,  his  love  betrays  : 
His  lambs  on  flowery  beds  repose  ; 
The  bending  grasses  o'er  them  close — 
While  Sol  high  blazes,  and  the  trees 
Faint  whisper  in  the  fragrant  breeze  : 
When  lo !  a  dulcet  voice  he  hears 
Express  a  maiden's  hopes  and  fears  : 

Unnumber'd  days,  I've  look'd  for  thee : 
Ah,  sad  and  irksome  days  to  mo ! 
I  could  not  think  a  swain  would  shun 
The  tender  breast  his  beauty  won  ; 
His  fond  adorer  and  his  friend, 
"Whose  love  but  with  her  life  will  end. 
Of  noble  parents  is  my  strain ; 
But  wealth  and  pomp,  you  tempt  in  vain, 
When  Hiram  walks  along  my  grove, 
Refulgent  in  the  arms  of  love  ! 
O  blooming  lands  !  why  should  ye  know 
Distress,  or  hear  the  voice  of  woe ! 
Ah  !  why  he  wrong'd  a  heart  so  true ! 
That  e'en  forsakes  a  world  for  you  ! 
That  lets  high  suitors  cheerless  rove, 
And  tell  to  trees  their  hopeless  love  ; 
Engrave  her  name  on  poplars  fair, 
And  give  their  sighs  to  needless  air. 
But  ah,  what  boots  it  to  implore  ! 
I'll  seek  the  grave  and  weep  no  more. 
Perhaps  in  future  days  you'll  shed 
A  pitying  tear  for  Julia  dead ; 
Lament  her  lost  thou  wouldst  not  save, 
And  strew  sweet  roses  on  her  grave. 


DISPUTE  BETWEEN    LABAN   AND   JACOB.  579 

The  youth  exclaims :  Let  not  decline 
In  storms  a  day  so  fair  as  thine ! 
Let  many  a  rose  thy  bosom  grace, 
And  many  a  kiss  impress  thy  face, 
Ere  Hiram  stand  by  Julia's  grave ; 
If  aught  in  him  has  power  to  save. 
Thus  he  ;  and  straight  the  maid  refus'd  ; 
And  wonder'd  he  such  language  us'd : 
Alas  !  said  she,  may  one  not  joke, 
And  not  your  impudence  provoke  ? 
Still  love  had  stung  each  gentle  breast 
And  both  excluded  from  the  blest. 


DISPUTE  BETWEEN  LABAN  AND  JACOB. 

WHAT  is  my  fault  that  merits  this  pursuit  ? 
My  goods  thou  hast  explor'd ;  what  hast  thou  found 
Of  thine  ?     If  aught,  expose  it  to  our  trains, 
That  they  our  lot  most  rigidly  decide. 
With  hunger  pinch'd  I  serv'd  thee  twenty  years, 
Nor  used  for  food  thy  she  goats  or  thy  rams : 
If  beasts  devour'd  our  flocks,  I  bore  the  loss, 
Not  thou ;  dry  winds  parch'd  Jacob's  face  by  day, 
Sleep  fled  his  eyes  by  night  for  twenty  years ; 
Fourteen  of  which  I  serv'd  to  get  my  wives, 
And  six  to  get  my  cattle ;  full  ten  times 
You  chang'd  my  wages,  and  e'en  now  had  sent 
Me  off  in  empty  plight,  had  not  my  God 
Beheld  his  servant's  woe,  and  thee  rebuk'd. 

I  blush  to  mention,  though  it  should  convince 
Of  my  great  grievances,  that  shameless  breach 
Of  a  plain  contract  on  thy  part  to  palm 
On  me  thy  eldest  daughter  :  when  'twas  told 
To  me  that  Rachel  had  possess'd  my  bed 
By  thy  deluding  tongue,  I  went  with  joy, 


580  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Such  joy  as  in  this  sdrry  mood  I  scarce 
Can  well  explain,  t'  enjoy  her  radiant  charms, 
Charms  won  by  sweat  of  sev'n  laborious  years ; 
But  O  what  fraud  the  morning  sun  displayed  ! 
What  perfidy !  may  such  morn  ne'er  return, 
Cold  disappointment  gathering  on  its  brow — 
There  Leah  lay  for  Kachel — fruitful  vine  ! 
Sure  angel's  pity  for  my  lot,  made  her 
A  consolation  to  my  mind,  a  root 
Of  Jacob's  seed :  but  this  was  my  good  luck 
And  not  thy  honesty.     Then  seven  years  more 
You  made  me  toil  for  Kachel — kindest  spouse ! 
Won  spite  of  fraud  and  fourteen  toilsome  years ! 
Now  what  hast  thou  to  ask  of  me  but  frowns  ? 
Sure  nothing  else  I  owe,  yet  take  my  smiles, 
For  evil,  injur'd  Jacob  good  repays. 

Thus  he,  while  Rachel  on  the  stolen  gods 
Sat  deeply  anxious  ;  Laban  then  replied : 

I  nought  required  of  thee  but  what  seem'd  just. 
If  I  have  err'd,  'twas  human  nature  err'd, 
Not  me ;  'twas  accident,  and  not  design, 
That  made  me  wrong  thee ;  for  suspicion  strong 
Urg'd  me  to  this  pursuit ;  thou  gav'st  the  cause 
Thereof,  by  this  most  secret  flight,  as  if 
Thy  conscience  had  condemn'd  thee — happy  time, 
When  by  strict  search  I  can  pronounce  thee  free 
From  such  suspicion !     Thou  shouldst  deem  it  well 
To  have  by  trial  thy  innocence  confirmed. 

Blame  then  thy  flight,  for  this  pursuit,  not  me  : 
My  gods  were  lost  at  thy  departure  sly ; 
Hence,  erring  reason  taught  me  to  believe 
They  kept  thee  company  ;  though  I  did  doubt, 
That  you  would  do  a  sacrilegious  theft ; 
And  I  rejoice  to  find  you  innocent, 
Though  much  'twas  fear'd  'twould  differently  transpire  ; 
For  vice  from  little  seeds,  quite  unperceiv'd, 
Will  on  occasion  grow  and  bloom  aloft, 
And  with  chill  shade  make  virtue's  flow'rets  pine  : 


DISPUTE   BETWEEN    LABAN   AND   JACOB.  581 

Your  early  frauds,  impos'd  upon  your  sire, 
To  get  your  brother's  birthright,  plainly  show 
You  dare  transgress  the  rule  of  honesty  : 
That  fraud,  on  a  blind  parent  practis'd,  soars 
Above  all  frauds,  that  Laban  ever  thought ! 

Though  your  excuse  for  fornicating  Leah 
Were  true,  was  my  deception  wicked  ? 
'Gainst  filial  duty,  and  a  brother's  right, 
Like  yours  ?  ah,  no  !  invention  cannot  find 
On  me  it  seems  a  fraud  to  equal  yours  ! 

Audacity,  to  cheat  thyself,  and  say 
Unblushingly  'twas  me,  that  did  the  deed  ! 
You  hop'd  to  soil  the  virgin  Leah's  name, 
Then  plead  mistake,  and  still  with  Rachel  wed  ; 
A  double  field,  thus  reap,  by  double  game, 
"While  the  dishonor  was  upon  my  house. 
This  could  a  father  brook  ?     To  cast  the  stain 
Of  whoredom  from  my  family,  I  bade 
Thee  wed  the  one  thy  ardor  had  embrac'd ; 
Yet  by  a  charity,  how  undeserv'd  ! 
Allow'd  thee  to  remain,  and  purchase  Rachel, 
And,  at  my  cost,  accumulate  much  wealth. 
How  far  you  merited  my  blessing,  hear — 
Each  pact  of  ours  was  made  a  path  to  fraud  ; 
Regardless  of  our  meaning,  thou  didst  'deem 
Thyself  quite  lucky,  if  a  wretched  quirk 
Spoke  in  thy  favor,  glorying  in  that 
Which  honest  men  would  deem  a  scandal  foul. 
Beneath  ambiguous  language  thou  wouldst  hide 
The  letter,  not  the  spirit  of  our  pacts, 
Thy  chief  regard  commanded — shelter  mean  ! 
Witness  the  strip'd  and  speckled  whips  you  placed 
In  watering  troughs,  to  take  from  me  my  flock 
By  certainty,  while  I  repos'd  on  chance, 
Nor  thought  the  solemn  contract  to  infringe. 
After  these  frauds  of  thine,  ungrateful  frauds, 
Dar'st  thou  rebuke  me  for  dishonesty  ? 
And  why  this  plaint  of  hunger  and  of  toil : 


582  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Because  it  wrought  thee  poverty  ?  sure  not ; 

You  rival  oldest  patriarchs  in  wealth. 

You  labor'd  well  indeed  ;  but  who  has  reap'd 

Most  profit  of  that  labor  ?     'Tis  not  I. 

Look  whence  ye  sprung,  and  what  thou  art  this  day 

Thou  wast  a  wanderer  poor  ;  upon  my  boughs 

Thy  vine  I  lifted,  gave  it  nourishment ; 

Now  with  what  clustering  riches  art  thou  fraught ! 

0  where  couldst  thou  have  toil'd  to  better  purpose 
Than  under  me  ?     If  from  th'  amount  of  fruit 
The  tree  is  judg'd,  all  must  infer  that  mine 

Has  been  quite  fruitful  of  good  things  to  you. 
If  thou  didst  not  eat  mutton,  'twas  because 
Thou  wouldst  not  do  it.     If  you  bore  the  loss 
Of  cattle  violently  ruin'd,  'twas  for  that 
Thou  didst  omit  to  keep  them  from  that  ruin. 
For  thy  omissions  do  not  blame  me  ;  nor 
Arraign  me  for  the  winds  that  parch'd  thy  face. 
Had  I  the  winds  controll'd,  a  milder  air 
Had  fann'd  thy  face  by  day  :  had  I  possess'd 
Those  eyes  that  could  not  sleep  in  such  employ 
By  night,  and  free  to  seek  a  happier  state, 

1  had  so  done,  unless  rewarded  well 

For  that  unuseful  wakefulness — but  hear  : 
He  whom  I've  bless'd  I  hope  will  wish  me  well, 
And  shield  me  from  my  enemies,  and  aid 
Me  in  my  age  to  walk  contentment's  road. 
I  then  propose,  we  join  in  leagues  of  peace, 
And  raise  a  monument  in  sign  thereof 
To  future  generations,  that  our  seed 
Observe  the  duty  we  thereby  impose. 


NOON.  583 


TO    THE    MUSES. 

BLEST  muses,  all  your  succor  bring  ; 
O  teach  a  child  of  earth  to  sing  ! 
Come,  with  me  rove  by  lucid  streams, 
That  glimmer  bright  in  Phoebus'  beams  ; 
Or,  midst  the  flowers,  in  tuneful  play 
Pursue  sweet  pleasure  all  the  day  ; 
With  zephyrs  kiss  the  quivering  green, 
Addressing  nature,  beauty's  queen  : 
Or  sing  of  artless  love  of  swains, 
Of  heroes,  realms,  and  sanguine  plains, 
And  haunting  palace,  town,  or  grove, 
Your  heavenly  nature  let  me  prove  ! 
Descanting  on  the  things  of  earth, 
The  pupil  show  the  teacher's  birth  ; 
Nor  give  the  world  a  single  line, 
That  serves  not  virtue's  cause  divine. 


NOON. 

THE  shepherdess,  with  looks  serene 
Attends  her  flocks  ;  they  eye  their  queen 
With  secret  pleasure,  visage  kind, 
And  all  that  shows  the  happy  mind. 
She  to  a  shady  oak  retires, 
While  Sol  mid  heaven  outpours  his  fires. 
While  sultry  breezes  faintly  play 
O'er  fragrant  plains,  and  die  away. 
The  shepherd  there,  repos'd  from  toils, 
Receives  her  with  admiring  smiles  ; 
And  both  reclin'd  upon  the  grass, 
In  converse  sweet  the  moments  pass  ; 
And  thus  she  sings  :  How  fair  the  flowers 
On  which  we  spend  the  fleeting  hours  ! 


584:  POEMS    OF    THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

In  other  times,  beside  a  rill 
That  half  encircles  yonder  hill, 
I  led  my  flocks  to  quaff  the  stream, 
Bright  glittering  in  the  lunar  beam, 
While  round  me  soothing  winds  convey'd 
A  fragrance  from  this  flowery  glade  ; 
Then  evening  spread  her  dusky  wing, 
And  feather'd  songsters  ceas'd.to  sing. 
Blest  warblers  of  the  woods  and  plains — 
They  please  the  world  with  grateful  strains. 
Gay  liberty  among  them  dwells, 
And  animates  their  tuneful  spells. 
When  balmy  breezes  softly  play, 
And  ether  smiles  in  cloudless  day. 
Or  when  green  summer's  sudden  showers 
Expel  them  from  the  festive  bowers, 
We  hear  no  thankless  voice  repine  ; 
They  sit  beneath  some  drooping  vine, 
Until  the  clouds  no  longer  rain, 
And  heaven's  fair  brow  is  clear  again. 
Then  loud  their  happy  accents  rise, 
The  earth  rejoices,  smile  the  skies  ! 

The  shepherd  then  :  Beneath  a  tree 
One  lives,  as  fair  as  life  can  be. 
In  lovely  splendor  roll  her  eyes, 
Like  stars,  exulting  as  they  rise. 
Her  breath  in  tuneful  numbers  flows, 
Which,  echoing  through  the  listening  groves, 
Attracts  the  feather'd  nations  round, 
And  men  delighted,  hear  the  sound, 
Respectful  glance  at  beauty's  throne, 
Admiring  treasure  not  their  own, 
And,  thinking  of  his  bliss,  the  while 
Behold  a  happier  lover  smile 
In  hymen's  band  :  then  let  us  raise 
To  heaven  a  grateful  song  of  praise, 
For  all  that  nature's  hand  bestows 
To  form  our  bliss,  or  ease  our  woes  ; 


585 


Since  here,  remote  from  war's  alarms, 
Where  folly  seldom  struts  in  arms, 
We  live  in  plenty's  smiling  sphere, 
And  peaceful  run  in  life's  career. 

He  next  of  buried  kindred  sings, 
And  back  to  life  past  actions  brings. 
Aerial  shapes  seem  hovering  round, 
Repeating  oft  the  silver  sound. 

He  sings  the  grace  his  God  displays  ; 
The  happiness  of  virtue's  ways  ; 
And  asks  of  innocence  and  peace 
The  gentle  reign  to  never  cease, 
That  fills  his  bosom  with  delight, 
And  gives  of  heaven  a  prospect  bright. 
The  blazing  source  of  life  and  day 
Receives  the  tribute  of  his  lay  : 
He  ardent  tries,  but  tries  in  vain, 
To  paint  the  glories  of  his  reign, 
The  radiance  of  the  purple  dawn, 
The  sparkling  of  the  dewy  lawn, 
The  dazzling  splendor  of  his  noon, 
His  bright  investment  of  the  moon, 
And  him  descending  in  the  west 
Mild  gazing,  like  a  spirit  blest. 

The  shepherd  ceas'd,  then  sweet  and  wild, 
His  spouse  thus  sung  of  Fancy's  child  : 

Pour'd  on  hills  the  morning  light  ; 
Fled  the  stars  and  sullen  night  ; 
Flora  lovely,  blushing  smil'd  ; 
Fragrance  flow'd  on  zephyrs  mild  ; 
Rob'd  in  bloom  were  groves  and  plains  ; 
Birds  were  warbling  dulcet  strains  ; 
Dew-drops  bright  impeaii'd  the  flowers  ; 
Joyful  flew  the  blooming  hours  ! 

Through  the  shadowy  forest  wild 
Wander'd  fancy's  rapturous  child, 
Wooing  nature,  beauty's  queen  ! 
Drest  with  flow'r-bespangled  green. 


586  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

On  her  breast,  in  careless  play, 
Lond  he  swell'd  the  lofty  lay, 
While  the  various  beings  round 
Silent  heard  the  pleasing  sound  : 
Scowling  bulls  forgot  to  roar ; 
Flocks  delighted  fed  no  more  ; 
Dogs,  rejoicing  in  the  song, 
Crouched,  and  roll'd,  and  leap'd  along. 

Sung  he  of  the  peasant's  state, 
Free  from  cares  that  wealth  await, 
Roaming  freedom's  circuit  wide, 
Unrestrain'd  by  tyrant  pride  : 
Or,  to  moving  tales  of  love 
Gives  the  cadence  of  the  dove  ; 
Seems  to  mingle  with  the  Spring, 
All  its  blooming  charms  to  sing, 
Heaven  and  earth,  the  tame  and  wild, 
Friends  and  mates  of  fancy's  child, 
And  applies  the  tuneful  art, 
As  of  nature  it  were  part. 
Inspiration's  power  he  finds, 
Glows,  expands,  outflies  the  winds  ; 
On  the  blazing  wings  of  light 
Darts  to  other  worlds  more  bright ; 
Basks  in  hope's  refreshing  beams, 
Gilds  his  hours  with  golden  dreams  ; 
Still  his  spirit  cannot  rest — 
Ah,  how  few  are  truly  blest ! 
Cloy'd  with  earth,  his  fancy  flies 
To  the  raptures  of  the  skies. 
Mortals  waste  their  strength  in  vain 
When  they  nothing  useful  gain  ; 
Roving  through  the  wrorld  unknown, 
Soon  the  child  dislikes  his  own. 
Thus  I  hear  th'  ingrate  complain  : 
Angels  must  I  here  remain  ! 
When  will  nature  cease  to  bind 
In  the  dust  the  deathless  mind  ! 


KOSSALINDA.  587 


When  untrammel'd  shall  I  rise, 
Hearing  music  of  the  skies  ! 
Haste  ye  moments,  haste  away, 
Lift  me  to  the  realms  of  day  ! 


ON  VISITING  AARON  MERCHANT'S   SCHOOL,   JUNE,   1823. 

HERE  Milton's  fire,  as  yet  unknown. 

May  into  glorious  flame  be  blown 

By  science'  mind-exalting  breatl}, 

And  many  a  name  be  snatch'd  from  death. 


KOSSALINDA. 

Air,  Rossalinda  !  art  thou  fled 
To  gloomy  regions  of  the  dead ! 
The  blush  of  youth  and  beauty  gone 
In  darkness,  where  no  day  will  dawn  ! 

Like  visions  pass  the  proud  away 
From  whence  they  came,  to  senseless  clay ; 
The  hero,  that  disdain'd  to  see 
An  equal  love,  is  cold  as  she. 

Though  blest  wTith  wealth  and  dazzling  charms, 
Death's  angel  comes,  the  grave  alarms  ; 
And  all  her  future  prospects  bright 
Are  swiftly  whelm'd  in  mournful  night. 

Amidst  glad  scenes  and  youthful  days, 
While  hope  her  brightest  star  displays, 
What  sudden  darkness  round  is  spread  ! 
How  soon  are  human  pleasures  fled  ! 


583  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENLN". 

While  borne  on  life's  tempestuous  stream, 
On  which  dim  beacons  feebly  gleam, 
Man,  thoughtless,  strikes  th'  eternal  shore, 
Devoted  to  return  no  more. 


IMPATIENCE. 

OH,  how  can  I  stay 
From  my  Sally  away  ! 
If  here  I  should  tarry, 
My  feet  will  miscarry  ; 
My  nose  will  stick  out 
Like  the  mast  of  a  boat ; 
My  bones  seem  a  hatchel 
Inclosed  in  a  satchel ; 
My  eyes,  too,  resemble 
A  light  in  a  thimble  : 
Then  blow,  snorting  gales, 
And  fill  my  broad  sails ; 
Let  oceari  roll  white 
As  the  snow  clad  in  light ; 
The  vessel  be  drove 
Swift  as  thunderbolts  move ; 
For  how  can  I  stay 
From  my  Sally  away  ! 


ELEGY  ON  A  CHILD. 

THOUGH  fair  as  the  sweet  blushing  rose  of  the  morn  ; 
Though  Hope  said  for  glory  and  fame  thou  wast  born  ; 
Though  beauty  and  dignity  beam'd  from  thy  eye, 
All  wither'd  and  lifeless  in  ruins  you  lie. 


ELEGY   ON    A   CHILD.  589 

No  more  will  thy  eyes  roll  in  loveliness  o'er 
The  meadows,  that  felt  thy  light  dances  before ; 
Thou  never  wilt  utter  the  wisdom  of  eld — 
In  fetters  of  death  thy  soft  features  are  held. 

As  lilies  unfold  on  the  waters  bright  breast, 
Ere  Sol  spreads  his  curtains  of  gold  in  the  west ; 
So  lovely  you  bloom'd  on  the  ocean  of  time, 
But  faded  and  fell  ere  the  day  of  your  prime. 

No  brilliance  of  glory  blaz'd  o'er  thy  doom  : 
A  fair  spreading  now'ret  cut  down  in  its  bloom  ! 
Thou  sink'st  in  the  grave  without  building  a  name, 
Or  time  to  perform  what  may  nourish  in  fame  ! 

No  country  can  owe  its  salvation  to  thee, 

Nor  canst  thou  a  Dry  den  or  Washington  be, 

Or  aught  that  shall  make  thee  with  mortals  remain  : 

Alas,  thy  existence  was  given  in  vain  ! 

No  traveller  shall  visit  in  far  distant  years 
Thy  grave,  and  it  bathing  with  generous  tears, 
Say,  "  here  lies  the  hero,  the  poet  or  sage  ;" 
For  thou  wast  cut  down  in  the  morn  of  thy  age. 

Yet  visions,  like  Yirgil's,  on  Mincio's  stream, 
Or  such  as  young  Milton's  arose  in  thy  dream : 
In  tone  with  the  grandeur  of  nature,  thy  mind 
In  tempests  and  thunder  a  pleasure  did  find. 

Proud  heaving  in  majesty,  often  it  rose, 
Felt  motions  of  greatness  no  words  can  disclose : 
Its  grandeur  of  thought  started  heavenly  tears  ; 
But  lost  was  its  light  upon  infantine  years. 

It  rul'd  no  great  action,  illumin'd  no  page ; 
Awaken 'd  no  voice  that  might  senates  engage  : 
Well  hadst  thou  ask'd  heav'n  to  lengthen  thy  date, 
And  leave  to  thy  genius  to  labor  thy  fate. 


590  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENLN". 


ODE  TO  DEATH. 

GLOOMY,  stern,  resistless  power, 
Threatening  all  things  to  devour, 
What  can  shun  thy  fatal  rage  ? 
Blooming  youth  and  hoary  age, 
Lofty  oak  and  lowly  tree 
Fall  an  equal  prey  to  thee. 

Sweet  the  gentle  infant  smiles  ; 
Hard  the  hopeful  parent  toils  : 
Vain  the  labor,  vain  the  care  ; 
Nought  thy  withering  blast  will  spare 
Low  the  lovely  flow'ret  lies  ; 
Stung  with  grief  the  parent  dies  ! 

Sickening  sun  of  sorrow's  morn  ; 
Tyrant  o'er  all  woman-born  ; 
With  destruction's  spoils  elate 
Ruins  of  the  good  and  great ; 
Wilt  thou  early  in  thy  race, 
E'en  their  names  from  earth  efface  ? 

Loath  the  single  dart  to  throw, 
Bid  the  deep  o'er  mountains  flow  ? 
Or  that  ocean's  tribes  may  end, 
Life  and  fame  at  once  descend. 
Wrap  the  busy  world  in  flame  ? 
E'en  extinguish  Homer's  name  ! 

O  permit  the  lofty  song 
Time's  drear  wild  to  lighten  long  : 
Still  on  crumbling  matter  prey  : 
Snatch  the  weeds  of  earth  away : 
Here  thy  fatal  shafts  confine  ; 
Aim  them  not  at  things  divine. 


THE  TRITE   OBJECTS   OF   AMBITION.  591 

If  thou  mak'st  a  Titus  bend, 
Or  a  godlike  Cato  end  ; 
If  a  Newton  to  thee  cower, 
Or  a  Franklin's  day  be  o'er ; 
Let  his  works  survive  to  tell 
What  of  heav'n  on  earth  may  dwell. 

'  Tis  not  given  thee  to  control, 

But  release  th'  immortal  soul ; 

Whose  bright  steps,  on  Wisdom's  page, 

Shall  not  feel  thy  mighty  rage, 

Till  of  time  the  gloomy  end 

Shall  thy  ruthless  bow  unbend. 

In  thy  suicidal  hour, 
Time  itself  shall  feel  thy  pow'r  ; 
All  that  joy  or  sorrow  gave, 
Moulder  in  the  dreary  grave  ; 
And  thy  dreadful  flag  unfurl'd, 
Shade  the  silent,  lifeless  world ! 


THE  TKUE  OBJECTS  OF  AMBITION. 

WHO  may  boast  a  glorious  name, 
Takes  not  praise  of  fools  for  fame  : 
Justice,  Yirtue,  Wisdom  crown 
Him,  that  goes  with  glory  down. 

Those  of  whom  the  just  are  proud, 
Ne'er  to  hellward  vice  have  bow'd. 
They,  in  heavenly  records,  live ; 
Angel  hands  their  cha,plets  give. 

Rather  let  no  warrior's  name 
Proudly  float  the  tide  of  fame  ; 
Yanish  Csesar's  empty  state, 
Perish  all  things  idly  great, 


592  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Than  meek  Worth's  example  kind, 
Fail  to  move  the  world  of  mind. 
Not  that  virtue's  praise  can  die  : 
Bright  before  the  omniscient  eye, 
Blooming  in  immortal  youth, 
Flourish  Innocence  and  Truth  : 
Faithful  mothers ;  rulers  lov'd, 
Who  by  peace  their  prowess  prov'd ; 
Gladden'd  life's  bewildering  night, 
With  their  virtue's  grateful  light ; 
Cheer'd  the  troubled  waste  of  years, 
Drying  hapless  mortal's  tears  ; 
Potent  to  restrain  the  ill ; 
Strong  to  do  the  eternal  will ; 
These  their  blissful  labors  see 
Blessing  their  eternity. 
Happiness  on  earth  they  find, 
In  the  self-approving  mind. 
Though  o'erlook'd  in  mortal's  lays, 
Seraph  choirs  resound  their  praise  ; 
Write  their  names  on  records  high  • 
While  their  foes  in  darkness  lie  ; 
Banish'd  from  th'  angelic  pen 
To  the  puny  strains  of  men  ! 
Thousands  bent  on  vain  applause  ; 
Barren  soils  in  virtue's  cause ! 
Sink  in  time's  ingulfing  tide, 
While  the  good  sublimely  ride. 

Not  in  vain  the  meek  and  just 
In  prophetic  wisdom  trust. 
Men  shall  swords  to  ploughshares  turn  ; 
Heavenly  love  in  mortals  burn  ; 
Nor  they  always  slight  the  good 
To  exalt  the  men  of  blood. 
E'en  on  earth  the  sword  shall  cease 
To  outshine  the  wreaths  of  peace. 
Evil  shall  to  goodness  yield  : 
Justice,  guarding  glory's  field, 


593 


Drive  from  all  the  limits  bright 
Things  ungrateful  to  her  sight : 
Proud  ambition  treat  with  scorn, 
Praise,  of  vice  and  frailty  born  ; 
And,  indignant,  spurn  the  lays 
Folly  to  her  brows  would  raise. 


ON  BYRON'S  DEATH. 

A  TUNEFUL  wave  has  broke  on  death's  dark  shore ; 
Byron  pale  slumbers  with  the  bards  of  yore. 
A  sadness  settles  on  Parnassus'  bowers ; 
For  death  has  snatch'd  the  brightest  of  her  flowers. 

He  fell,  the  Muses  sigh'd,  and  Glory  spread 
Her  living  mantle  o'er  her  poet  dead. 
Stern  Tyranny's  rough  features  joyful  glow  ; 
But  tears  fair  Freedom's  lovely  face  o'erflow— 
Because  her  useful  votary  is  no  more, 
Whose  deathless  numbers  spread  her  happy  lore — 
Whose  lofty  spirit  rode  her  rushing  blast 
And  o'er  the  darken'd  east  its  radiance  cast. 

As  musing  o'er  her  moss-clad  mouldering  tow^ers 
The  noble  torrent  of  his  soul  he  pours, 
The  land  of  song  awaken'd  by  the  strain, 
With  conscious  grandeur  leaps  to  life  again  ; 
The  crescent  dripping  blood  indignant  hears, 
And  midst  war's  iron  storm  her  bosom  bares  ; 
Leonid  as  and  Miltiades  return, 
And  modern  breasts  with  ancient  ardor  burn. 
Though  chain'd  in  death  he  lives  in  many  a  page 
To  rouse  the  genius  of  each  future  age. 
The  voice  of  nations  deepens  in  his  praise, 
Resounding  frequent  his  melodious  lays. 
His  monument  is  in  the  lofty  soul ; 
Yain  on  its  base  shall  wasting  centuries  roll ; 
Nor  undermining  time,  nor  barbarous  sway, 
Shall  sweep  the  mind-enchanting  pile  away. 
38 


591  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 


JEFFEKSON  AKD  ADAMS. 

ONE  day  has  seen  falling  two  pillars  of  state, 
That  stood  undepress'd  mid  the  tempests  of  fate  ; 
That  from  the  proud  isle  snatch'd  the  gem  of  the  west, 
The  land  o'er  all  others  by  liberty  blest ! 

They  fearlessly  launch'd  into  war  in  their  prime, 
And  darken'd  with  perils  their  summer  of  time 
To  avert  usurpation  and  freedom  maintain, 
The  brightest  of  all  of  Britannian  strain. 

Sagacious  to  see,  they  were  bold  to  repel 
The  stroke  of  encroachment,  nor  slept  till  it  fell ; 
But,  watching  its  movements,  directed  its  fall ; 
Hence  ocean  drank  cargoes  design'd  to  enthrall. 

Though  fetters  were  forg'd  they  could  not  reach  our  shore ; 
We  just  heard  them  clank,  but  we  felt  not  their  power  : 
Say  not  then  we  came  from  a  race,  that  could  bear 
To  breathe  any  other  than  liberty's  air. 

We  sprung  not  from  mortals  degraded  and  tame, 
Who  relish'd  existence  in  slavery's  shame. 
No,  Adams  and  Jefferson  were  of  a  race, 
With  millions  for  fight,  not  a  cent  for  disgrace. 

Great  champions  of  Justice,  they  liv'd  to  behold 
The  coming  of  all  that  kind  Hope  had  them  told 
When,  darkness  and  dangers  o'erclouding  our  doom, 
The  great  Eevolution  seem'd  kill'd  in  its  bloom. 

How  happy,  that  Heaven  awarded  the  meed 
Of  basking  so  long  in  the  light  of  the  deed, 
Which  hoisted,  mid  tempests,  the  standard  of  state, 
The  firm  Declaration,  asserting  our  fate  ! 


JEFFEKSON   AND   ADAMS.  595 

They  saw  their  America  happily  sail, 
Avoid  all  the  rocks,  and  advance  with  each  gale, 
Themselves  at  the  helm,  or  in  greatness  retir'd, 
And  compass  the  objects  their  fondness  desired. 

They  heard  mighty  millions,  with  filial  zeal, 
Lament  for  their  wo,  and  rejoice  for  their  weal, 
As  sires  of  a  nation,  for  fifty  bright  years, 
They  rose,  must  we  say,  from  the  valley  of  tears  ? 

They  rose  midst  the  thunders  of  that  jubilee, 
In  which  they  declared  that  their  country  was  free. 
They  rose,  when  the  heavens  seem'd  leaning  to  earth, 
To  hear  a  great  nation  rejoice  for  its  birth  : 

A  country  where  justice  is  shielded  by  law  ; 
Whereto  from  all  climes  high  and  lowly  withdraw  : 
"Whose  lofty  example  incessant  supplies 
A  guide  to  the  nations  beneath  other  skies. 

Whatever  of  dangers  a  statesman  may  brave, 
Whatever  of  labors  a  people  may  save, 
Whatever  of  honors  the  good  may  obtain, 
Were  yours,  hoary  sages,  the  pride  of  our  strain. 

Yours,  too,  was  the  spirit,  that  never  shall  fail, 
That  flam'd  in  Thermopylae's  death-glutted  vale, 
That  Runnymede  shrouded,  that  lighten'd  in  Tell, 
On  Washington,  Hampden  and  Lafayette  fell ; 

That  follows,  unceasing,  the  march  of  the  mind, 
And  leads  on',  in  triumph,  the  rights  of  mankind. 
By  which  war  and  wrong  from  the  earth  shall  be  hurl'd, 
And  justice  and  peace  fill  the  throne  of  the  world. 

Blest  sires  !  full  of  honors,  of  worth,  and  of  days  ! 
What  millions  to  you  shall  a  monument  raise  ! 
In  the  hearts  of  the  great  and  the  good  it  will  rise, 
The  pride  of  the  earth  and  the  lov'd  of  the  skies. 


596  POEMS   OF  THOMAS   HEDGES   GENIN. 


INDULGENCE  INVOKED  FOR  THOSE   WHO  ESTIMATE 
THINGS  DIFFERENTLY  FROM   OTHERS. 

INDULGE  the  child  of  tender  years  ; 
What  trifles  melt  his  soul  in  tears ! 
For  a  bubble  broke,  or  whistle  lost, 
In  storm  of  grief  his  heart  is  tost ! 

Before  his  meek  pretensions  pause  ; 
Nor  judge  with  needless  haste  the  cause  ; 
Ah  !  let  not  thoughtless  harshness  rend 
The  gentle  breast  it  seeks  to  mend  ! 

O  never,  manhood,  in  thy  noon 
Forget  life's  tearful  dawn  so  soon  ; 
Nor  overlook  thy  own  decline ; 
A  second  childhood  may  be  thine. 

Thy  wealth  takes  wings,  and  darkness  vast 

Upon  thy  day  of  life  is  cast : 

An  equal  gloom  o'erclouds  the  joys 

Of  youth  for  loss  of  worthless  toys ! 

His  views  and  playthings  can  you  blame, 
Because  your  own  are  not  the  same  ? 
O  think  the  flight  of  years  has  hurl'd 
You  far  away  from  childhood's  world ! 

Full  soon  will  come  life's  chilly  eve, 
When  little  things  again  will  grieve. 
Let  grateful  manhood  then  assuage 
The  woes  of  youth,  the  ills  of  age. 


THE   PRESENT.  597 


THE    PRESENT. 

THE  present  times  are  always  bad  : 
'Twas  such  that  made  our  fathers  sad ; 
And  such  shall  make  our  children  mourn, 
"When  we  are  past  the  fatal  bourn. 

What  now  is  held  is  not  complete  : 
Both  past  and  future  seem  more  meet ; 
For  all  departed  joys  can  see  ; 
And  all  far  happier  yet  will  be. 

Great  Milton  "  fell  on  evil  days," 
A  sadness  dwells  on  Tasso's  lays. 
Hear  Job  of  life  and  fate  complain  ! 
And  Solomon  tell  that  all  is  vain ! 

This  man  at  home  is  ill  at  rest, 
Amidst  its  blissful  shades  unblest ! 
Strange  lands  and  dangers  he  must  try, 
And  thus  for  home  be  taught  to  sigh. 

Long  practice,  which  perfects  his  skill, 
And  soon  would  brightest  hopes  fulfill, 
Is  irksome,  and  he  quits  his  trade 
To  lose  what  self-denial  made ; 

Or  if  he  tugs  the  useful  oar, 
He  feels  as  near  a  leeward  shore  : 
Unlike  the  thousands  luckier  born, 
Who  easier  fill  the  golden  horn. 

All  states  grow  powerful,  then  decline, 
The  present  mends  the  past  design, 
The  structure  former  statesmen  rear 
The  present  sages  rashly  tear, 


598  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Bold  ignorance  boasting  all  the  while, 
How  much  its  labors  help  the  pile. 
The  daubers  of  a  tavern's  sign, 
Ketouching  Kaphael's  works  divine ! 

But  one  advantage  favoring  heaven 
To  woe-surrounded  man  has  given ; 
It  is  to  see  without  surprise 
The  present  always  is  most  wise ! 

Mind  ebbs  and  flows ;  conceit  remains ; 
In  every  age  its  pride  retains  : 
Augustan,  Periclean  light, 
To  crusade  hosts  appear'd  as  night ! 

The  skill  that  made  the  father  gain, 
The  son  considers  crude  and  vain  ; 
Though  he  in  twenty  months  has  lost 
The  wealth  a  life  of  cares  that  cost ! 


THE    PAST. 

THE  past  abounds  with  giant  men  ? 
~No  poetasters  flourish'd  then  ? 
Ah !  many  such  obscur'd  the  past, 
By  winnowing  time  in  darkness  cast. 

Unnumber'd  shallow  poets  sung, 
While  Homer's  mightier  numbers  rung 
Unheard  amidst  the  general  din, 
That  sought  the  vulgar  ear  to  win. 

But  soon  the  earth-born  poems  died, 
And  o'er  them  clos'd  oblivion's  tide. 
Then  unobscur'd  by  mists,  and  bright 
The  lofty  Iliad  strikes  the  sight. 


THE   PURSUIT    OF    HAPPINESS    TENDS   TO    PERFECTION.        599 

Who  rais'd  the  pile  of  living  fire  ? 
The  Greeks  through  all  their  states  inquire ; 
And  find  'twas  one  both  blind  and  poor, 
Who  sung  for  bread  from  door  to  door. 

Dull  mediocrity  had  won 
The  wreaths  due  Genius'  deathless  son, 
And  so  conceal'd  his  lofty  mind, 
His  birth-place  long  was  undefin'd. 

But  now  the  chaff  was  swept  away ; 
Both  wits  and  readers  turn'd  to  clay. 
Ev'n  death-tam'd  envy  hiss'd  no  more. 
Those  saw  who  would  not  see  before ! 

The  future,  with  a  like  surprise, 
Shall  on  the  present  cast  its  eyes ; 
And  see  the  great,  now  dimly  seen, 
For  dulness'  envy's  mist  between. 


THE  PURSUIT  OF  HAPPINESS  TENDS  TO 
PERFECTION. 

ALL  beings  to  perfection  tend. 
Th'  exceptions  general  taste  offend. 
Both  ugliness  and  weakness  feel, 
That  love  for  them  has  little  zeal ; 
While  strength  and  beauty  ever  fire 
The  breast  and  kindle  soft  desire. 

Why  then  should  any  race  decay, 
If  art  to  nature  yield  the  sway, 
Who  for  the  vigorous  and  the  fair 
Awakes  in  all  a  tender  care ; 
But  seldom  stirs  the  heart  to  seek 
The  ugly,  graceless,  or  the  weak. 


600  POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

So  all  who  happiness  pursue, 

Must  needs  approach  perfection  too  : 

Avoiding  low  and  bad  desires, 

The  soul  to  heavenly  height  aspires, 

And  there,  at  length,  from  discord  free, 

Abides  with  God  in  harmony. 


THE  MASTER  PASSION  EULES  THE   JUDGMENT. 

JUDGE  not,  lest  thou  be judg'd  ;  for  know 
The  sun  may  spots  of  darkness  show. 
No  one  is  with  perfection  blest ; 
On  all  detracting  foibles  rest. 

E'en  as  thy  neighbor  seems  to  thee, 
Thyself  to  all  the  world  may  be. 
Some  master  passion  rules  his  soul ; 
And  art  thou  free  from  like  control  ? 

One  wastes  his  wealth  with  lords  to  dine ; 
One  starves  himself  in  silks  to  shine ; 
Another,  for  poetic  lays, 
To  poverty  resigns  his  days. 

This  man  to  swell  his  heap  of  gold, 
Enacts  the  slave  to  Fortune  sold ; 
And  though  with  cares  and  labors  gray 
Some  think  he  scarce  has  liv'd  a  day. 

Bright  reason's  intermittent  gleam 
Warns  all  to  shun  th'  absurd  extreme ; 
Yet  each  would  understand  her  voice 
To  justify  his  passion's  choice. 

The  man  whose  joy  is  slothful  ease, 
Or  thriftless  jaunts  o'er  lands  and  seas, 
Would  doubtless  learn  with  much  surprise, 
That  bliss  from  gathering  wealth  might  rise. 


SEEK   A    COMPETENCE.  601 

Though  hard  and  toilsome  be  the  race, 
The  hunter  still  enjoys  the  chase : 
No  matter  what  the  game  may  be ; 
Fame,  riches,  power,  or  luxury. 

Says  Ben,  u  though  rich,  G.  coachless  died ;" 
"  And  verseless,  also,"  I  replied. 
Though  pleas'd  I  read  blank  verse  all  day, 
Most  men  will  not  as  listeners  stay, 

But  think  of  business  left  undone, 
And  fly  th'  amusement  one  by  one  ; 
Then  may  we  not  with  truth  opine, 
All  men's  enjoyments  are  not  mine  ? 

And  if  we  may  a  crowd  disperse, 
With  seemingly  attractive  verse ; 
Might  not  a  coach  repulsive  be 
To  those  who  would  from  cares  be  free  ? 

If  one  must  sport  because  he  can, 
The  poorer  were  the  luckier  man ; 
Exempt  from  Fashion's  whip  and  spur, 
Which  oft  from  Nature's  path  deter. 

The  use  of  wealth  will  be  confin'd 
To  what  delights  the  owner's  mind  ; 
And  what  to  one  is  punishment, 
Affords  another  sweet  content. 


SEEK  A  COMPETENCE. 

THIS  is  not  the  age 
That  epics  engage 
The  human  attention ! 
Such  age  can  you  mention  ? 


602  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENLtf. 

Simplicity  sweet ! 
For  childhood  how  meet ! 
Pray  when  was  the  time 
The  grand  arid  sublime 
Attracted  the  many  ? 
And  how  few,  if  any, 
Can  bear  to  behold 
The  living  enroll'd 
With  the  mighty  of  old  ? 
The  ocean  of  thought 
Meonides  brought 
'Tis  said  could  not  save 
From  want,  though  his  grave 
Was  shook  with  dispute, 
To  win  the  repute 
Of  giving  him  birth, 
When  gone  from  the  earth. 

E'en  Tasso,  whose  fame 
Gilds  Italy's  name. 
And  Portugal's  bard 
Found  Milton's  reward ; 
On  evil  times  cast : 
Times  always  to  last ! 
For  though  in  each  age 
The  glorious  rage 
Is  felt  by  a  few, 
High  merit  that  view, 
As  midway  they  soar  ; 
'Tis  not  till  life  's  o'er 
They  speak  of  it  slow 
To  the  many  below  : 
Thus  Addison  gave, 
Almost  from  the  grave, 
To  Milton,  'tis  said, 
To  be  prais'd,  if  not  read. 
As  one  then  must  pass 
Through  them  to  the  mass, 


NIGHT   PASTORAL.  603 

Of  Zeno  take  heed  : 
Provide  against  need  ; 
Nor  let  the  world  taunt 
The  poet  with  want. 


NIGHT   PASTOEAL. 

'TwAs  night ;  the  moon  in  pallid  glory  rose  : 
A  flood  of  splendor  from  her  disk  she  throws  ; 
Displays  the  nightly  sphere  to  mortal  view, 
And  tips  the  mountains  with  a  silvery  hue. 
Deep  silence  o'er  the  leafless  forest  reigns, 
Save  where  the  solitary  owl  complains  ; 
Or  wolves  rapacious,  in  pursuit  of  prey, 
Howl  through  the  woods,  and  rue  the  borrow'd  day ; 
Or  where,  in  busy  murmurs,  ffbw  the  rills 
In  mazy  courses  down  the  snow-clad  hills. 
The  farmers  in  their  cottages  regale, 
Scan  reason's  chart  as  mov'd  by  passion's  gale, 
And  things  discuss  as  hopes  or  fears  prevail. 

Good  Dimon,  once  the  pride  of  youthful  swains, 
As  was  his  Susan  sharer  of  his  pains  ; 
And  Dorcas,  now  in  early  beauty  bright, 
Her  aged  parents'  pride  and  fond  delight, 
Secluded  live,  with  humble  means  content, 
And  Dimon  thus  reviews  his  moments  spent : 

The  clouds  may  scatter  their  collected  snow, 
The  rivers  freeze,  and  frigid  Boreas  blow, 
Th'  inclement  winter  hold  his  frosty  reign, 
For  we  have  stored  sufficient  wTood  and  grain. 
Your  Dimon  spends  his  time  not  idle  long  ; 
ISTor  lets  a  summer  pass  away  in  song ; 
The  stubborn  farm  has  yielded  to  my  cares, 
And  nourishment  applied,  luxuriant  bears. 
Though  oft,  my  father  said,  when  he  was  young 
Mere  shrubs  and  thorny  briers  from  it  sprung. 


(504  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENLN". 

It  long  had  been  the  summer  range  of  cows 

And  fleecy  sheep  its  scanty  greens  to  browse. 

Adverse  to  culture,  that  unfruitful  soil 

Most  stingily  responded  to  his  toil : 

But  now,  by  lime  and  clover's  quickening  aid, 

"We  see  our  labors  gratefully  repaid. 

Blest  industry  !  what  happiness  it  brings  ! 

Exhaustless  source,  whence  all  contentment  springs  ; 

The  kindest  law,  on  man  impos'd  by  heaven 

Is  that  by  which  his  days  to  toil  are  given. 

Sus.  Our  flocks  supplied  the  garments  by  us  worn  ; 
But  now,  unshelter'd,  see  them  wandering  lorn. ; 
Oppress'd  by  rising  wind,  they  seem  to  say  : 
Remember  us  to  ruthless  cold  a  prey, 
While  man  un thoughtful  near  a  soothing  flre, 
In  sweet  contentment,  sees  its  flames  aspire. 
How  prone  are  we,  while  plenty  round  us  flows, 
To  rest  regardless  of  our  creatures'  woes  ! 
Should  those  who  merely  for  our  interest  live, 
Meet  such  requital  as  we  thoughtless  give  ! 

Dim.  With  joy  I  hear  thee  for  their  comfort  plead  ; 
Were  they  as  we  more  shelter  might  they  need  ; 
But  nature  form'd  them  of  a  different  kind  ; 
Who  shields  them  not  is  to  his  interest  blind. 
In  verdant  summer  I  propos'd  to  form 
An  ample  shed  to  shield  them  from  the  storm, 
And  you  consulted,  straight  the  work  forbade, 
Else  this  reflection  had  not  now  been  made. 
Oh,  Susan,  Susan,  (not  unlike  thy  kind) 
Why  thus  in  search  of  ills  employ  the  mind  ? 

Dor.  How  drear  and  cold  appear  the  mountains  bright, 
While  lofty  Luna  gilds  the  sphere  of  night ! 
Thin  fleecy  clouds  glide  through  the  welkin  pale, 
And  leafless  trees  sigh  mournful  to  the  gale. 

Sus.  Alas  !  how  chang'd  since  you  and  Caleb  sung 
The  flowery  glades  and  blooming  groves  among  ! 
His  evening  visit  he  will  now  delay, 
For  ice  and  snow-fraught  winds  obstruct  his  way. 


NIGHT   PASTOKAL.  605 

Dim.  Can  lovers  true  be  kept  apart  by  storm, 
Or  rivers  wide,  though  raging  winds  deform  ? 
In  other  days  when,  bright  in  youth,  I  shone, 
Ere  some  were  born,  long  since  to  manhood  grown, 
I  could  unwearied  thrice  the  journey  go, 
Through  blustering  tempest,  flinging  smothering  snow ; 
Yet,  blindly  amorous  that  gallant  must  be, 
Who  treads  this  night  the  icy  wilds  for  thee. 
Before  him  far  will  buildings  seem  to  rise, 
Invested  with  the  brightness  of  the  skies  ; 
But  near  approach,  the  fabrics  disappear  ; 
Still  distant  is  the  point  he  thought  so  near : 
On  lengthening  road,  though  chill'd,  he  still  must  go, 
With  toilsome  step,  through  banks  of  drifted  snow. 

Sus.  But  wast  thou  blind  when  first  our  love  begun, 
To  visit  me  through  storms  and  floods  you  run  ? 
Or  when  to  rival  my  melodious  strains, 
And  win  my  heart,  you  sung  the  suitor's  pains  ? 
Deceptive,  then,  I  tumbled  to  the  ground, 
And  death  apparent  clos'd  these  eyes  around. 
Then  you,  low  bending  o'er  the  artful  fair, 
Bedew'd  her  breast  with  many  a  mournful  tear  ; 
And  while  the  signs  of  sorrow  glistening  ran 
In  eloquence  of  grief,  you  thus  began  : 

Oh,  why  forget  those  lovely  eyes  to  roll, 
That,  darting  living  fire,  inflam'd  my  soul  ? 
Has  heart-enchanting  music  stopp'd  thy  breath, 
And  borne  thee  to  the  gloomy  gates  of  death  ? 
Must  that  sweet  voice  delight  the  groves  no  more, 
Nor  charm  the  breast  it  often  charm'd  before  ? 
This  seems  the  subject  of  a  recent  dream, 
In  which  I  wander'd  by  the  moon's  pale  beam 
Through  fragrant  groves,  and  pleasing  numbers  sung  : 
All  things  seem'd  listening  to  my  tuneful  tongue  ; 
The  zephyrs  chang'd  their  course,  and  hovering  o'er 
My  vocal  grove,  could  softly  breathe  no  more  : 
The  birds  were  silent ;  rivulets  ceas'd  to  flow  ; 
And  heaven  cast  wistful  looks  at  earth  below. 


606          POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

A  secret  anguish  kindled  in  my  breast ; 
But  whence  the  cause  no  pondering  could  suggest. 
At  length,  like  flash  of  light,  in  shining  tears, 
With  hair  dishevel'd,  thy  fair  form  appears  ; 
To  grasp  thee,  swift  I  strive,  but  strive  in  vain  ; 
You  shun  my  kind  embrace  with  rude  disdain, 
And  thus  address  me  :  Dim  on  !  grace  my  bier 
With  blushing  roses,  wet  with  many  a  tear  ? 
Let  friends  lamenting  in  long  order  move, 
And  soothe  my  shade  along  my  native  grove. 
Hang  high  thy  harp  on  some  dark  cypress  tree 
To  sigh  to  passing  winds  and  mourn  for  me. 
Excited  at  the  view,  I  wildly  scream, 
And  waking,  gladly  find  it  all  a  dream. 
The  sad  presage  I  rightly  read  too  late  : 
The  problem  dark  is  now  resolv'd  by  fate. 

Thus,  deeply  sorrowing,  while  the  tear  drops  roll'd 
Fast  down  thy  cheeks,  the  piteous  tale  was  told. 
Then  I  from  that  delusive  plight  arose  ; 

Else  had  I  seen  thy  day  in  darkness  close. 

Dim.  Full  forty  years  have  made  the  subject  stale. 

Once  reason  was  too  weak  for  passion's  gale. 

Experience  since  has  temper'd  well  the  mind  : 

To  greater  losses,  now,  it  were  resign 'd. 

Some  wisdom  in  my  later  life  appears  ; 

Discards  the  follies  of  infantine  years  ; 

Excites  desire  again  through  life  to  wade, 

To  mend  its  errors  and  its  ills  evade  ; 

But  yonder  comes  our  daughter's  spark  of  hope, 

I  see  him  walking  down  the  mountain's  slope. 

The  more  he  toils  to  reach  the  object  dear, 

The  more  the  lover  proves  his  love  sincere  : 

Hence  through  the  cold  I  gladly  see  him  come, 

Presaging  for  our  girl  a  happy  home  ; 

For  all  the  virtues  in  his  conduct  shine  : 

Industrious,  modest,  frugal,  with  no  sign 

Of  dissipation  from  tobacco's  use, 

Which  often  leads  to  drunk'ness  from  abuse ; 


*  THE   BRAVE.  607 

Besides,  lie  is  just  comfortably  poor 
Enough  to  make  his  virtues  more  secure, 
And  teach  him  to  preserve  as  well  as  gain  ; 
That  what  he  gets  will  not  be  got  in  vain. 
Then,  let  us  to  the  grateful  bed  retire, 
And  to  the  young. resign  the  cheerful  fire ; 
They  to  each  other  will  their  views  reveal, 
While  lulling  slumbers  o'er  our  senses  steal, 
Till  weary  nature  yields  to  blissful  rest, 
And  morning  finds  us  with  refreshment  blest. 


THE  BEAYE. 

THOUGH  foreign  foes  the  land  invade  ; 
Though  ignorance,  in  bewildering  shade, 
Deems  wandering  comets,  streaming  far, 
Portend  fell  pestilence  and  war  ; 
Though  superstition  o'er  the  land 
Throw  terrors  from  her  goblin  hand, 
Firm  stand  the  brave,  in  proud  disdain, 
Like  rocks  that  bound  the  stormy  main. 

When  erring  frenzy  wildly  burns, 
And  wit  of  multitudes  o'erturns, 
That  onward  rush,  like  torrent  floods, 
Or  angry  fires,  through  branching  woods, 
Yile  demagogues  to  elevate, 
At  risk  of  ruin  to  the  State ; 
Then  interpose  the  virtuous  brave, 
And  seek  th'  endanger'd  land  to  save. 

When  darkening  war-clouds,  thundering  near, 
Inspire  a  nation's  heart  with  fear, 
And  patriotism  makes  demand 
Of  vengeance  for  her  native  land ; 


POEMS  OF  THOMAS  HEDGES  GENIN. 

Calls  all  her  powers,  leaves  naught  undone 
To  make  all  hearts  unite  as  one  ; 
Then  on  the  brave  turns  every  eye, 
And  all  upon  their  worth  rely. 

In  peace  and  war,  their  country's  guard, 
A  grateful  people  shall  reward  : 
Their  names  be  held  in  memory  long, 
Inspiriting  the  patriot  song. 
Where  rob'd  in  honors  bright  they  sleep, 
Admiring  virtue  comes  to  weep ; 
A  nation's  tears  are  o'er  them  shed  ; 
They  live,  though  number'd  with  the  dead. 


ON  THE  PIOUS  MOTHER   OF  AUGUSTUS   GRIFFIN. 
JUNE,   1811. 

FKOM  earthly  cares  and  scenes  unblest 
The  pious  mother  sinks  to  rest. 
Death's  pale  embrace  benign  appears, 
That  bears  her  from  the  vale  of  tears 
To  glow  again  in  youthful  bloom, 
Where  never  enters  sorrow's  gloom  ; 
Where  beauty  ceases  to  repine, 
Bright  with  intelligence  divine. 
But  oh  !  how  hard  to  break  the  ties 
That  held  her  from  the  blissful  skies  ! 
Fond  friends  and  worthy  children,  all 
Endear'd  to  her  the  stormy  ball ; 
Besides  the  wish  of  one  that  lives 
To  keep  the  life  that  nature  gives. 
But  could  we  hear,  she  now  would  say, 
(Earth's  night  exchang'd  for  heavenly  day,) 
Farewell,  vain  world,  a  fate  severe 
Once  made  me  wear  grey  tresses  there. 


CREATION   AND    REDEMPTION.  609 

My  cause  to  mourn,  on  Earth  your  stay 
Is  more  than  yours  that  I'm  away. 
Life's  ills,  dear  son,  still  menace  thee, 
From  which  your  parent  now  is  free. 
All-conquering  Death  is  hovering  near 
To  lead  you  through  his  valley  drear  ; 
Be  ready,  then,  ere  long  to  come, 
And  share  with  me  th'  eternal  home. 


CEEATION  AND  EEDEMPTIOK 

WHERE  move  the  world  and  systems  bright 
Once  brooded  dark  chaotic  night. 
Disorder'd  matter,  uncontroll'd. 
In  wild  commotion  fractur'd  roll'd  ; 
When  God  proclaim'd  his  sovereign  law, 
And,  speaking,  fill'd  the  deep  with  awe. 
Creative  virtue  sunk  profound  : 
Off  flow'd  the  water,  rose  the  ground, 
The  Sun  and  all  that  gild  the  sky 
Then  took  their  shining  thrones  on  high  : 
The  Earth  rejoic'd,  and  day,  in  prime, 
Commenc'd  the  ancient  reign  of  time. 
Then  flitting  scenes  of  life  began  ; 
Then  rose  the  lion,  horse,  and  man  ; 
And  birds,  with  various  plumage  gay, 
Leap'd  deftly  on  the  budding  spray  ; 
Chirp'd  sweetly,  uttering  glad  surprise, 
As  newborn  objects  round  them  rise. 
Then  angels  pour'd  melodious  praise 
Of  God's  omnipotent  displays. 

Lo  !  worlds  created  (thus  they  sung), 
A  man  is  given  angelic  tongue. 
O  how  can  we  enough  adore 
Our  God,  or  tell  his  boundless  power  ! 
39 


(510  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

Burst  forth  in  praise,  ye  orbs  of  light, 

To  whom  'tis  given  to  banish  night ; 

Ye  flowery  fields,  just  sprung  from  gloom, 

Sing  praise  and  shine  in  fresher  bloom  : 

Let  every  star  resound  the  lay, 

Nor  cease  through  heaven's  eternal  day. 

Thus  they  ;  and  swiftly  downward  wheel' d 
To  earth,  they  crossed  the  starry  field  ; 
Then  o'er  its  surface  flew,  with  smiles, 
O'er  ocean's  deep  and  verdant  isles  ; 
O'er  continents  wide,  now  known  no  more, 
Where  rushing  mountain  billows  roar  ; 
Then  upward  sought  the  bright  abode, 
And  joyful  o'er  heaven's  pavement  strode, 
Near  God,  involv'd  in  living  light, 
Enchanting  to  the  angelic  sight : 
When  sudden,  from  his  glowing  throne, 
A  fiery,  glimmering  radiance  shone, 
From  intermittent  darkness  dread, 
And  thunders  mutter'd  round  his  head, 
WTiile  Sol  cast  pale  and  doubtful  light, 
As  threatening  to  retire  in  night. 
He  spoke  to  one  beside  him  there, 
Of  aspect  mild,  and  heavenly  fair  : 

My  son,  I  see  expos'd  to  harm 
What  gives  us  joy — for  which  this  arm 
Eestrain'd  the  elemental  strife, 
And  boisterous  chaos  call'd  to  life. 
A  man  I  made,  of  angel  kind, 
To  freely  act  as  pleas'd  his  mind  ; 
Before  him  set  the  good  and  ill, 
And  full  explain'd  our  sovereign  will. 
But  now  towards  the  blooming  world, 
The  fiend,  you  lately  hellward  hurl'd, 
Progresses  rapid  ;  bent  to  reign 
O'er  man  and  make  our  labor  vain. 
'Twere  well  had  he  not  been  brought  forth, 
Nor  grac'd  the  chambers  of  the  north  ; 


CREATION   AND   REDEMPTION.  611 

Or  when  yon  did  my  thunders  wield, 
Had  clinch' d  him  to  th'  infernal  field, 
To  howl  unnumber'd  years  in  vain 
In  immortality  of  pain : 
Or,  while  our  fatal  rage  did  last, 
Had  hurl'd  him  with  resistless  blast 
Beyond  immensity,  so  far 
"No  thought  could  reach  nor  ray  of  star. 
Though  man  may  well  elude  his  snare, 
Yet  hell  will  seize  him  unaware. 
Decisive  justice  must  be  done, 
Though  perish  worlds  and  fade  the  sun  ; 
Offending  man  shall  hellward  fly, 
Ne'er  to  ascend  our  happy  sky ; 
Unless  some  power  divine  atone 
For  his  transgressions  as  his  own. 

The  heavenly  hosts  in  silence  heard, 
And  none  to  atone  for  man  appeared. 
At  length  the  son  address'd  the  sire, 
Calm  rising  midst  the  living  fire  : 

My  will  is  thine  ;  the  task  impose 
To  check  the  tide  of  human  woes. 

Though  great  the  labor,  pain  and  care, 

For  thee  and  man  I'll  patient  bear. 

Thy  mercy  softens  judgment's  ray ; 

Of  justice  tempers  well  the  sway. 

May  man  into  thy  truth  be  led 

Without  beholding  rise  the  dead  ; 

Induced  to  all  things  rightly  do, 

And  e'en  as  they'd  be  done  unto. 

But  ah,  I  fear  their  low  desire 

Unfits  to  know  their  heavenly  sire  : 

Still  victims  to  the  false  will  die, 

And  crimes  with  vengeance  cloud  the  sky. 

Far  distant  is  the  happy  time, 

When  all  will  know  the  will  divine  ; 

When  Mammon's  front  to  thee  shall  bow  ; 

My  flowers  in  Pagan  temples  grow  ; 


612  POEMS   OF   THOMAS    HEDGES   GENEST. 

When  my  redeem'd,  not  cloth'd  with  power, 
Live  peaceful,  and  all  wars  be  o'er. 

While  spoke  the  Son,  the  Father  turn'd 
To  mildness  ;  no  grim  vengeance  burn'd, 
Threat'ning  to  wrap  all  things  in  night, 
Wreck  heaven,  and  put  the  stars  to  flight. 

On  earth  the  Son,  as  man,  appears  ; 
With  mercy  lights  the  vale  of  tears, 
And  precepts  gives  divinely  fair, 
By  which  mankind  for  heaven  prepare. 

Mount  Calvary  soon  beheld  Him  die. 
How  startled  then  were  earth  and  sky  ! 
Hell  trembled.     He  her  monarch  bound, 
And  chain'd  him  on  tli'  infernal  ground  ; 
Again  his  legions  headlong  hurPd 
To  gnash  and  snarl  in  horror's  world. 
Then,  reascending  from  the  tomb, 
Resum'd  in  heaven  his  deathless  bloom. 


UTOPIA. 

WITHIN  Utopia  all  is  fair. 

Such  civilization  triumphs  there, 

That  none  defensive  arms  need  wield.* 

The  law  o'er  all  extends  its  shield. 

It's  form  of  government  is  so  good, 

That,  if  with  virtue  managed,  would 

To  person  and  to  property 

Accord  desir'd  security. 

There  wrong  would  not,  with  viper  sting, 

Through  recreant  courts  its  venom  fling  : 

No  scoundrel  juror's  perjur'd  breath 

On  justice  pour  the  blast  of  death  ; 

*  Thucydides  considers  the  Athenians  attained  to  civilization  from  the 
time  they  ceased  to  go  armed. 


UTOPIA.  613 

No  partial  judge,  with  trickery,  hide 
His  leaning  to  the  popular  side  ; 
Right  stating  law,  in  words  of  art, 
False  senseto  juror's  to  impart ; 
Nor  low-bred  counsel  strut  and  prate 
Of  shameful,  as  of  actions  great  ; 
Bad  motives  charge,  for  conduct  just  ; 
Pure  truth  o'erclouding  with  distrust ; 
For  honesty,  with  noble  soul, 
Would  dignify  and  all  control ; 
And  prejudice  blind,  and  meanness  fail 
Of  justice  to  disturb  the  scale. 

Of  governments,  then,  it  is  confess'd, 
The  best  administer'd  is  best  ; 
The  form  is  but  a  lifeless  shell ; 
The  ruler  works  it  ill  or  well, 
As  under  vice  or  virtue's  sway  : 
Oh,  let  not  virtue,  then,  decay  ; 
Let  every  parson  have  a  care 
To  bid  his  lambs  not  falsely  swear, 
As  legislator,  juror  judge, 
Or  witness  ;  nor  from  justice  budge, 
Though  acting  singly,  or  with  crowd, 
Where  sneaks  grow  bold,  from  hope  to  shroud, 
As  one  of  twelve,  their  deeds  of  shame, 
And  bear  but  fractional  part  of  blame  ; 
For  each,  though  countenanc'd  here  by  eleven, 
Must  answer  for  himself  to  heaven. 


614:  POEMS    OF   THOMAS    HEDGES    GENIN. 

TO  THE  FLAG  OF  THE  UNIOK 

JUNE  13, 1861. 

SIGN  of  our  power,  forever  wave — 
Power  only  felt  as  kind  to  save ; 
On  thee  proud  realms  respectful  gaze : 
We  see  with  pride  thy  glory's  blaze. 

'Midst  storms  by  valorous  Virtue  borne, 
Grim  danger  gloomed  thy  early  morn  ; 
Oft,  floating  o'er  thy  bearer's  bier, 
Around  thee  flowed  the  patriot  tear. 
At  length,  emerg'd  from  trouble's  night, 
You  shone  in  victory's  cheering  light : 
Most,  when  on  Trenton's  icy  field 
You  saw  the  host  of  England  yield; 
When,  streaming  over  spirits  bold, 
War  back  from  Saratoga  roll'd  ; 
When,  banded  with  the  troops  of  Gaul, 
You  triumph'd  o'er  Cornwallis'  fall ; 
And  when  th'  astonish'd  seas  beheld 
The  thunders  of  proud  Albion  quell' d, 
Then  victory,  with  realm-startling  tongue, 
O'er  the  wide  world  thy  glory  flung, — 
O'er  a  broad  continent  bade  thee  wave, 
Relieve  th'  oppress'd,  and  nerve  the  brave. 

Earth's  millions,  panting  to  be  free, 
Still  turn  their  hopeful  eyes  on  thee, 
And  in  thy  peril  quickly  find 
In  thine  the  danger  of  mankind. 

No  patriots  ask  what  party  holds 
The  helm  of  state  beneath  thy  folds, 
When  threat'ning  enemies  are  nigh. 
But  swiftly  to  thy  rescue  fly. 

When  they  behold  thee  tempest-tost, 
They  feel  they  in  thy  wreck  were  lost. 


TO  THE  FLAG  OF  THE  UNION.  615 

SANE  party  strife  will  silent  be 
As  oft  as  danger  frowns  on  thee. 

Shall  foreign  or  domestic  foe 
Ere  lay  thy  sky-born  glories  low  ? 
Man's  civilization  backward  roll  ?  * 

Kill  freedom  and  benight  the  soul  ? 
The  curses  of  th'  indignant  world 
Shall  at  the  snaky  head  be  hurl'd, 
That,  with  a  traitorous  purpose,  dare 
Degrade  the  dignity  you  bear. 

"  Ambition's  fools,"  for  selfish  ends, 
Sow  tares,  and  blast  the  ties  of  friends  ; 
To  seize  the  reins  of  guilty  power 
They  bid  the  sword  mankind  devour. 
They  care  not  for  the  general  woe, 
If  thence  their  private  fortunes  grow. 
Such  men,  loved  symbol  of  the  free, 
Would  e'en  lay  traitorous  hands  on  thee  ! 
Make  all  our  father's  labors  vain, 
And  on  their  sons  place  Slavery's  chain. 
But  fierce  as  lightning  cleaves  the  sky, 
Again  shall  valor  bear  thee  high 
'Midst  bleeding  battle's  stormy  roar, 
Until  the  wicked  plague  no  more. 


24504? 


THIS   BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 


RENEWED  BOOKS  ARE  SUBJECT  TO  IMMEDIATE 
RECALL 


LIBRARY,  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  DAVIS 

Book  Slip-25m-6,'66(G3855s4)458 


N9  542471 

Genin,   T.H. 

Selections 

from  the  writings  of 
the  late  Thomas 
Hedges  Genin. 


PS1739 
G175 
A6 
1869 


LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
DAVIS 


